According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for audio equipment were 45.85% lower in 2020 versus 2009 (a $9.17 difference in value).
Between 2009 and 2020: Audio equipment experienced an average inflation rate of -5.42% per year. This rate of change indicates significant deflation. In other words, audio equipment costing $20 in the year 2009 would cost $10.83 in 2020 for an equivalent purchase. Compared to the overall inflation rate of 1.70% during this same period, inflation for audio equipment was significantly lower.
Raw Consumer Price Index data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for Audio equipment:
| Year | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| CPI | 48.927 | 47.356 | 45.150 | 42.021 | 39.927 | 38.014 | 36.003 | 34.226 | 31.393 | 27.038 | 27.256 | 26.495 |
Below are calculations of equivalent buying power for Audio equipment, over time, for $20 beginning in 2009. Each of the amounts below is equivalent in terms of what it could buy at the time:
| Year | USD Value | Inflation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | $20.00 | - |
| 2010 | $19.36 | -3.21% |
| 2011 | $18.46 | -4.66% |
| 2012 | $17.18 | -6.93% |
| 2013 | $16.32 | -4.98% |
| 2014 | $15.54 | -4.79% |
| 2015 | $14.72 | -5.29% |
| 2016 | $13.99 | -4.94% |
| 2017 | $12.83 | -8.28% |
| 2018 | $11.05 | -13.87% |
| 2019 | $11.14 | 0.81% |
| 2020 | $10.83 | -2.79%* |