By Ellen Gibson

The country was still absorbing the tech bust in January 2001. But as the Nasdaq tumbled, things weren't so bad for consumers: A crisp one-dollar bill could still be traded for a dozen eggs and a twenty could fill the gas tank. BusinessWeek compared the prices of 25 items then and now* to better understand why middle-income families are feeling so squeezed.

As it turns out, it's true what they say about technology: It gets cheaper even as it gets nimbler. But other items—including many consumer staples—have skyrocketed over the past eight years as real wages have barely budged. Which expenses are breaking the average family's bank? College tuition, energy, and food are, unsurprisingly, the culprits. Also to blame are discretionary items like tickets to a ball game. Have a look and see if you're paying the same for these goods and services.

*Prices have been adjusted to reflect a 25% increase in the consumer price index since 2001.