GTA 6 Price vs GTA 5: What Inflation Tells Us
Why GTA 6 at $79.99 is actually about the same price as GTA 5 was in 2013 when you factor in inflation, plus historical game prices.
$59.99 in 2013 vs $79.99 in 2026
The most common complaint about GTA 6's price is that it costs $20 more than GTA 5 did at launch. But that ignores 13 years of inflation and rising costs. Because everyday prices have increased by about 35% since 2013, GTA 5's original $59.99 price tag has the exact same buying power as about $81.40 today.
How Video Game Prices Have Changed Over Time
New console games moved from $59.99 to $69.99 in 2020 with the launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series X. GTA 6 is the first major game moving to $79.99. But looking back over gaming history, video games are actually cheaper today than they used to be:
| Console Generation | Years | Price at the Time | Price in Today's Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Nintendo / Genesis | 1985–1995 | $49.99–$69.99 | $110–$140 |
| PlayStation 1 / N64 | 1996–2000 | $49.99 | $90–$100 |
| PlayStation 2 / Xbox | 2001–2005 | $49.99 | $80–$90 |
| PlayStation 3 / Xbox 360 | 2006–2013 | $59.99 | $80–$90 |
| PlayStation 4 / Xbox One | 2013–2020 | $59.99 | $72–$82 |
| PlayStation 5 / Xbox Series X | 2020–Present | $69.99 | $75–$80 |
| GTA 6 | 2026 | $79.99 | $79.99 |
When you look at history, video games have gotten cheaper over time. Back in the early 1990s, Super Nintendo cartridges often cost $60 or $70—which would be over $120 today. GTA 6 at $79.99 is cheaper than games were 30 years ago, while offering vastly more content and visual detail.
Take-Two's CEO on Game Value
"Our games offer extraordinary value compared to any other form of entertainment. When you think about the cost per hour of playing one of our games compared to going to a movie, a concert, or a sporting event, the value is clear."
With GTA 5, most players spent over 80 hours in story mode alone and hundreds of hours in GTA Online. If GTA 6 offers similar playtime, players will pay pennies for each hour of fun.
What About the $100 or $150 Rumors?
Before the official $79.99 price was announced, rumors spread claiming GTA 6 would cost $100 or even $150. These rumors were based on:
- Rumors that the game cost over $1 billion to make.
- Fake concept covers and store listings posted on Reddit and TikTok.
- People misunderstanding executive comments about entertainment value.
In reality, Rockstar set the base game at $79.99—just $10 above other new console releases and right in line with inflation.
Prices Outside the US
While the US price is basically flat when you factor in inflation, some international markets saw bigger increases:
| Country | GTA 5 in 2013 | GTA 6 in 2026 | Price Change | After Inflation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $59.99 | $79.99 | +$20 | About 1.7% cheaper |
| United Kingdom | £39.99 | £69.99 | +£30 | Higher than inflation |
| Europe (Eurozone) | €59.99 | €79.99 | +€20 | Roughly even |
| India | ₹2,499 | ₹5,999 | +₹3,500 | Significantly higher |
Local prices in countries like the UK and India went up more than in the US, largely due to digital storefront currency policies and local taxes (such as VAT or GST).
In the US, GTA 6 at $79.99 is actually slightly cheaper than GTA 5 was in 2013 after adjusting for inflation. You are getting a much larger, more detailed game for about the same real-world cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does GTA 6 cost $79.99 when GTA 5 was $59.99?
The $20 difference comes down to 13 years of inflation. When GTA 5 came out in 2013 for $59.99, dollars bought more than they do today. In today's money, that $59.99 is equal to about $81.40. So when you account for inflation, GTA 6 at $79.99 is actually slightly cheaper than GTA 5 was on day one.
How does GTA 6 compare to other new games?
Most new PS5 and Xbox games now cost $69.99. GTA 6 is $10 higher at $79.99. But considering GTA 6 offers an 80+ hour story and a massive online world designed to last a decade, most players find the amount of gameplay well worth the price.
Is Rockstar overcharging for GTA 6 compared to GTA 5?
No. When you adjust for inflation, GTA 6 is not more expensive than GTA 5 was in 2013. In fact, GTA 6 gives you a much bigger world, better graphics, two main characters, and far more content for about the same inflation-adjusted price.