![Mark Ponders How Gas Prices and Montana Living Costs Have Drastically Changed](http://townsquare.media/site/109/files/2022/07/attachment-GettyImages-72317243.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Mark Ponders How Gas Prices and Montana Living Costs Have Drastically Changed
"Back when gas was 30 cents a gallon, and love was just 60 cents away" - Tom T. Hall
I remember hearing my parents telling me what things cost or how little money they made when they were younger. It always annoyed me. And I guess there were some of the stories I didn't believe. Now I do it. All the time, my daughter has informed me.
My lifelong passion is golf. I've been playing since the 1970s. And when I started, a round of golf cost two dollars. Really. Heck, a season pass was only 28 bucks. These days you can't get a BEER for $2 at any golf course.
On my 16th birthday, I wanted some "waffle stompers". These were the hiking boots that were the big foot fashion item at that time. So my dad drove me to the mall and laid down $16 to get me a pair.
I'll bet I've got several pairs of tennis shoes in my closet that cost over $100 now.
I just assumed that I wouldn't live long enough to see brand new pickups cost more than my first house, but I have.
When I started driving, gas was 86 cents per gallon. Last weekend in Bozeman, I paid $5.69.
Speaking of that, I paid $115.00 per ticket to see Kenny Chesney. While my first concert ticket was eight dollars to see Boston at the Metra in 1978.
And I can tell that I'm older now because Albertson's had a sale on my favorite Lighthouse thousand island salad dressing. I saved $1.50 per bottle. It made me happy.
Today I'll be looking for deals at the golf course.
LOOK: See how much gasoline cost the year you started driving
More From Montana Talks
![What is it Like to See Billings from Within a Hot Air Balloon?](http://townsquare.media/site/628/files/2022/07/attachment-Hot-Air-Balloon-Feature.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Is Butte developing a Bozeman migration problem?](http://townsquare.media/site/108/files/2019/02/GettyImages-811975194.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![President Biden Tests Positive for Covid-19](http://townsquare.media/site/757/files/2022/07/attachment-attachment-biden-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Carroll College sets date for Hall of Fame Ceremony](http://townsquare.media/site/1106/files/2022/07/attachment-Sports-Picture.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![If You Like Food, Whiskey, & Warriors…See You in Bozeman Aug 12th](http://townsquare.media/site/990/files/2022/07/attachment-20210910_191250-e1658336619151.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Things not to miss at the Big Sky Country State Fair this week](http://townsquare.media/site/13/files/2015/07/Carnival.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Montana Bridge “Dangerously Close” to Falling in the Water](http://townsquare.media/site/117/files/2022/07/attachment-River-Closure.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Learning the “Pots”, One Montana Radio Legend To Another](http://townsquare.media/site/109/files/2022/07/attachment-IMG_0750.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Montana Governor Meets With Newly Created Housing Task Force](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2022/07/attachment-featured-image-431.jpg?w=980&q=75)