According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index, prices in 2018 are3,142.12% higher than prices in 1850. The dollar experienced an average inflation rate of 2.09% per year during this period. In other words, $5,000 in 1850 is equivalent in purchasing power to $162,105.77 in 2018, a difference of $157,105.77 over 168 years. The 1850 inflation rate was 1.30%. The current inflation rate (2017 to 2018) is now 2.52%1. If this number holds, $5,000 today will be equivalent to $5,126.12 next year. The current inflation rate page gives more detail on the latest official inflation rates.