Then I'll take three sets of skirts and dresses (total $30), made of cotton and available in size 16(!) (not a plus size, just, in the regular size lineup!). I'

Then I'll take three sets of skirts and dresses (total $30), made of cotton and available in size 16(!) (not a plus size, just, in the regular size lineup!). I'll take a grocery shopping trip, which not only will cost me less than $10 but all of the food will be local and in-season. And I'll take a month of rent in Montreal ($60) to round it out. If you prefer, I could have blown it all on a single college course, but that seems to belie the idea of a basket. :P The declining prices are primarily in durable consumer goods, fuel energy, and consumer electronics. Food, healthcare, education, and rent (the things you need to live) have far outpaced "inflation" -- and this is more relevant to the average person because you don't buy a TV every year, but surely you buy bread every week.