10 Things That Have Gotten Cheaper Despite Inflation

Inflation has been a thorn in the side of consumers, but not everything has become more expensive. In fact, there are several items that have bucked the trend and become more affordable. 

Here are 10 things that have gotten cheaper despite the rising cost of living.

1. Used Cars

The used car market has seen a significant shift, with prices dropping by an average of 3.8% over the past year. (ref) Improved supply chains, increased chip availability, and competition from electric vehicles have all contributed to this welcome change.

2. Airline Tickets

Believe it or not, airfares are down 7% compared to last year. The addition of new routes and the emergence of low-cost competitors are driving prices lower, with some international routes expected to drop by up to 12% in 2024. (ref)

3. Eggs

After soaring to nearly $5 per dozen in early 2023 due to bird flu outbreaks, egg prices have finally come back down to earth. As of April 2024, the average price was $2.86 per dozen, a 9% decrease from the previous year and is currently still trending downward. (ref)

4. TVs

Television prices continue to fall, thanks to manufacturing efficiencies, increased competition, and TV makers monetizing user data. You can now find 55-inch TVs for under $250, making home entertainment more accessible than ever.

5. Solar Panels

As technology advances and the industry grows, solar panel costs are expected to keep dropping in 2024. Ongoing government incentives are also making it more affordable for homeowners to switch to clean energy.

6. Gas

Drivers can breathe a sigh of relief as gas prices have fallen 19.3% compared to a year ago. (ref) This much-needed reprieve is helping to ease the burden on household budgets across the country.

7. Apples

An abundant harvest and ideal growing conditions have led to a 6-10% year-over-year decrease in apple prices as of early 2024. It’s the perfect time to enjoy this healthy and delicious fruit without breaking the bank.

8. Lettuce

Lettuce lovers rejoice! Prices for this leafy green are about 10% lower than they were a year ago, making it easier to incorporate into your favorite salads and sandwiches.

9. Cheese

Cheese prices have decreased by approximately 3% over the past year, giving you one more reason to indulge in this tasty treat. From grilled cheese sandwiches to charcuterie boards, cheese is a staple that’s now more affordable.

10. 2023 Calendars

While not a necessity, 2023 calendars are a fun item to include on this list. With 2023 now in the rearview mirror, any remaining calendars from that year are likely to be heavily discounted, making them a quirky and budget-friendly purchase.

Stay Savvy to Combat Inflation

Finding deals on low-priced products can help stretch your budget during times of high inflation. Here are some tips:

• Follow your favorite brands and retailers on social media and sign up for their email lists to get notified of sales and promotions.
• Use browser extensions like Honey or Capital One Shopping to automatically apply available coupon codes at checkout.
• Check deal sites like SlickDeals, DealNews, and Brad’sDeals for curated lists of the latest discounts and sales.
• Time your purchases for major sale events like Black Friday, Prime Day, Labor Day, etc when retailers offer deep discounts.
• Look for open-box, refurbished, or clearance items which can provide significant savings on like-new products.
• Consider buying gently used items from marketplaces like Facebook, OfferUp, or Craigslist for even bigger discounts.

With a little diligence and the right strategies, you can take advantage of deals to get more for your money despite rising inflation. 

So while inflation continues to make many products more expensive, these 10 categories have bucked the trend and become cheaper over the past year. 

Factors like improving supply chains, technological progress, increased competition, and even the passing of time have enabled these price drops in the face of broader inflationary pressures. Consumers can take advantage by seeking out deals in these areas.