It’s a common complaint these days that prices on everything are going up. Despite what seems like the constant rising cost of every part of modern life, there are some items that have actually gotten cheaper over time, even after accounting for inflation.

Around 75 years ago, the average American family spent about 10% of their income on clothing. Today, that figure has dropped to around 3%. Since the 70s, most clothing production has moved overseas, where labor costs are lower. As a result, we can buy more fast-fashion clothes than past generations and spend less in the bargain.

It may feel like airfares have surged since the pandemic, but airline tickets are much more affordable today than in 1950. Then, a flight from LA to Boston cost more than $5,000 in today’s money, but today it costs around $350–and takes a lot less time.

Bananas have been a staple food in the American diet for decades. But when they were first introduced following the Civil War, they sold for $.10 a piece–that’s about $3 per banana today. Other fruits and vegetables that we take for granted in the grocery store were also considered luxury items when they first became available. Thank world-wide production and efficient shipping for keeping the cost to consumers low and produce available year-around.

It’s no surprise that televisions, calculators and other electronics are cheaper than when they were first introduced. Technological advances have enabled manufacturers to pack more features and better quality into their devices at a lower price.

Realizing how far we’ve come over the decades may take some of the sting out of today’s prices.