Many things that used to be cheap enough for most to afford have now become very expensive luxuries. You’ll find a list of 17 of these things in this article.
Higher Education
The price of higher education in the U.S. has skyrocketed over the years. According to BestColleges.com, the average total cost for a year of college at a four-year school, including tuition and fees, on-campus room and board, books, supplies, and other expenses, is $36,436.
Rent
Rent is becoming increasingly expensive throughout the U.S. The figures from Zumper say that nationally, the median rent for a one-bedroom home is $1,496 and the two-bedroom median is $1,847. Because of the high costs, many are having to move into cheaper neighborhoods.
Buying a House
Buying a house in the U.S. has always been pricey, but lately, it has gotten even more expensive. Bankrate says the median price for an existing home was $387,600 as of November 2023. The rising prices are forcing many to stay in rented accommodations.
Flights
In the past, flying to a different state or a different part of the world was a luxury that most Americans could afford. Nowadays, says the South China Morning Post, rising jet fuel prices because of the Ukraine War and staff shortages are factors in the high price of flights.
Accommodation
Finding good accommodations and banking an inexpensive getaway used to be a possibility for U.S. citizens. But over the last few years, the prices of hotels and Airbnb-type accommodations have risen. Staying away from home for a few nights has become too expensive for most.
Childcare
The price of daycare in the U.S. is also becoming a burden that many can no longer afford. Illumine says that on average, families pay $12,612 for care for a single infant annually, and the price of paying for a preschooler is nearly $10,000/year.
Healthy Food
Buying healthy food, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, is also becoming a luxury. The figures from USA Today show that the average family spends about $270 at the grocery store per week, but families with kids spend 41% more on food than families without kids.
Retirement
Most U.S. citizens retire at the age of 61. This age has increased, as in 1991, the average retirement age was 57. The rising cost of living has made it impossible for people to retire as early as they used to. People are now being forced to work longer than before.
Gym Memberships
Gym memberships used to be so affordable in the past that one would continue paying for the membership without using it, just in the hope that it would motivate them to go to the gym. In recent years, however, gym memberships have become luxuries that only fitness enthusiasts make use of.
Quality Clothing
Finding good-quality clothing is something that has become very difficult and more expensive since fast fashion became so popular. In our throwaway modern world, quality clothing isn’t as sought-after so if you want it, you’ll have to pay through the nose to get it.
Mobile Data
Social media has conditioned us to believe that when we’re disconnected, we’re missing out on something. But mobile data is becoming more and more expensive, and some simply can’t afford the limitless plans they used to pay for. Many Americans are forced to stay offline when out of the house.
Dining Out
Dining out instead of eating home-cooked meals is a luxury that has become too expensive for modern-day Americans. In the past, finding vouchers for meals and discounts seemed to be a lot easier. But with the rising price of food, eating out has reached an all-new price range.
Driving
Americans love to drive, and going on a road trip is something that many enjoy. But since the Ukrainian War, the price of gasoline has soared. This has made it impossible for some to go for a drive whenever they want to, and they’re finding local ways to enjoy themselves instead.
Live Theater
In the past, going to the theater was something that everyone used to do. That’s not the case now, however, as the cost of seeing a live performance has skyrocketed. Going to the theater to see a live performance is now only something that well-off people do.
Tailored Clothes
One hundred years ago, it was normal for most people to have tailored clothes that were handmade to fit them. But because of the increased popularity of fast fashion, having tailor-made clothes has become an extortionate luxury that only celebrities and the very rich can afford.
Accessories
In this world of fast fashion, many people buy fake jewelry and accessories that they know they can replace at any time and at any cost. Because of this, the price of genuine jewelry and accessories has become even higher and simply unattainable for many U.S. citizens.
Movies
Seeing a movie in the theater used to be a very affordable way to catch up on the latest entertainment. However, since the introduction of streaming services, many opt to watch movies from home on the TV instead of going to a movie theater with the family.
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