5.14 The CPI in 1980 was 3.452 times its value in 1950 (see Table 5-8). Therefore, purchases that cost $250 in 1950 would have cost $250 x 3.452 = $863 in 1980. The value of a 1980 salary of $30,000, expressed in real 1950 dollars, is $30,000 x (1/3.452) = $8,691.