In 1982 I bought a custom built Davidson out in Seattle, with Campy NR that cost $1200. It had Columbus SL tubing. I also have an Italian (Zilioli, nobody has heard of him in the US) bike with Columbus SL/Campy SR from 1983 that cost 1300. Both were pretty hot bikes for their time. I still have them.

I also have a Kuota Kredo CF with Chorus bike from 2006 that cost $3600. Guess which one I ride exclusively? Every time I get tempted to go back to one of my steel beauties, I remember why I went with carbon and ride the Kuota. I haven't been on either steel bike in 2 years.

I would say that given inflation, bikes today are cheaper and better.