According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for audio equipment were 44.66% lower in 2018 versus 2009 (a $8.93 difference in value).
Between 2009 and 2018: Audio equipment experienced an average inflation rate of -6.36% per year. This rate of change indicates significant deflation. In other words, audio equipment costing $20 in the year 2009 would cost $11.07 in 2018 for an equivalent purchase. Compared to the overall inflation rate of 1.76% 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 |
| CPI | 48.926 | 47.355 | 45.150 | 42.021 | 39.927 | 38.014 | 36.003 | 34.226 | 31.393 | 27.077 |
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 | $11.07 | -13.75%* |