Price comparisons over time can be a difficult thing. I think this is interesting to consider since it is perceived that film and processing are very expensive nowadays.
I think there are three main things that affect the price consideration here. The first is general to anything and the second two more specific to film in this case.
First, is that the overall cost of living can vary dramatically over time. This can mean that things one once considered a manageable expense for a hobby or even work might not appear the same at another time.
Second, is that we have been spoiled by a few decades of low cost for film and processing. But as will be shown below, this has not always been the case.
Third, is that digital imaging has really destroyed the perception and value of pictures. Many people now consider pictures as cheap, disposable, plentiful things without much value. The value of a film recording and real photographic print are generally only perceived now by the astute devotee.
Here is something I worked up a few months ago, based upon old published prices of Kodachrome, to illustrate the cost of color transparency film over time. Basically what it shows is that film and processing cost similar today to what they did in the 1950s and less than they did in the 1930s. As mentioned above, we were spoiled by a few decades of low cost, but things have now returned to a point similar to a previous period.
Circa 1936, 18-picture roll of 35mm
$3.50 including processing
$80.00 today
Circa 1954, 20-picture roll of 35mm
$3.50 including processing
$41.00 today
Circa 1954, 36-picture roll of 35mm
$5.50 including processing
$64.00 today
Example, today
Ektachrome E100 or Provia 100F, 36-picture roll of 35mm
$22-$30 film
$10-$20 processing without mounting or scans
+postage