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Mark J. Perry

Mark J. Perry

Economist, American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow

Appears in 1 story

Stories

The affordability debate: Are things getting cheaper or more expensive?

Money Moves

Creator and annual updater of the 'Chart of the Century'

For decades, economists have argued over whether life is getting more affordable. A new analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2000 to 2025 shows that while the Consumer Price Index rose 92.6%, average hourly wages climbed 131.1%β€”meaning workers can buy 20% more goods today for the same hours worked. The finding rests on measuring 'time prices': not what things cost in dollars, but how many hours of labor it takes to afford them.

Updated Jan 30