“There were reports of canteens charging a dollar for a slice of bread or two if it was buttered, the equivalent of $56. A dozen eggs might cost you $90 at today’s prices; a pick axe would be the equivalent of $1,500; a pound of coffee $1,200 and a pair of boots as much as $3,000.” There’s no doubt that today’s Internet gold rush has made places like San Francisco expensive, but it’s nothing compared to the prices people encountered during the original gold rush.