These days, the opera is seen as something for the elites, not just because of the cost, but because the interest just isn't there for huge parts of the population (speaking as an American here). I'm curious about the accessibility of opera to the average person throughout history in various parts of the world.
Adjusting ticket prices and average incomes for inflation and putting it in US dollars would help me understand, but all answers are appreciated!
The Magic Flute was premiered at the Freihaustheater (1787-1801) in Vienna in 1791. This was one of the cheaper venues, but renowned for its acoustics and orchestra. This scene from Amadeus is set in this theatre. The ticket prices in its opening night were (fl.= Austro-Hungarian gulden, kr.=kreuzer=1/60 fl.):
Fancy box (royalty style): 6 fl. 50kr.
Big box for 8: 5fl.
Small box for 4: 2 fl. 30 kr.
"Parterre noble (seats for higher classes) and Gallery" : 34 kr.
Seats for commoners: 17 kr.
Last seats/Entrance to Gallery (probably standing): 7 kr.
It's not easy to find a good estimate about how many US dollars a gulden would be worth. In the late 1700s it would probably be around $20. At the same time, it is estimated that a gulden was a master's two days' salary, a journeyman's 2 and a half day's salary and a day labourer's three day's salary.
Sources: