It's not nearly as dramatic. But they've surely gotten cheaper. As evidenced by how they have displaced carbon-zinc cells in almost all applications. I check

It's not nearly as dramatic. But they've surely gotten cheaper. As evidenced by how they have displaced carbon-zinc cells in almost all applications. I checked Radio-Shack's 1981 US catalogue. $2.79 for a 4 pk of store-brand AA alkaline cells. That's $8.20 or so today. You can today, apparently get an 8 pk of Duracell from Wal-Mart at $7.50. Or an 8 pk of store brand alkaline AA cells from Wal-Mart for $3.20.