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The cost of living in the United States has skyrocketed in the last four years. So, what happens when the cost of living goes up? We stop buying certain things. I can think of many items and luxuries I’ve let go of because they’ve gotten so expensive. These are the things that are so expensive now that many people are simply doing without them—either cutting back or giving them up entirely.
Honestly, with the increasing prices, it’s not worth it. Maybe you’re experiencing the same dilemma. It’s hard to decide how to buy the things we need without breaking the bank. To help with those tough decisions, we curated these things based on luxuries and wants instead of needs. Some may be more difficult than others to let go.
However, in the end, we think the things on this list make sense. What about you?
Cable
Cable has been on the decline for over a decade. I haven’t had cable since at least 2012. The average cost of cable is about $71.37 per month. Cord cutting can save you a lot of money, but only if you keep track of your streaming services. Streaming is also a lot easier and contains thousands of movies and series.
Makeup
Cable isn’t the only thing that has gone up. So has makeup. Interestingly, more people, myself included, are also spending less on this fun luxury. Now, this doesn’t mean people have stopped buying makeup altogether. Instead, beauty lovers are purchasing more makeup dupes at an affordable price, claiming they work the same. Spending $5 feels a lot better than spending $50.
Food Delivery
Fewer people are generally eating out, including food delivery, not just fast food. Food delivery apps are so convenient. I’ve been guilty of paying way too much money for just one meal on Uber Eats. But those days are done. With added fees, food delivery has become so expensive that people are cutting back or completely stopping.
Fast Food
Who remembers when fast food restaurants had value/dollar menus? Those days are long gone. You are lucky if you can find even one menu item under $3.00. Fast food is becoming more expensive. Even as inflation declines, the numbers aren’t decreasing, prompting people to stop buying fast food.
Concert Tickets
Concert tickets aren’t worth the steep price. This is likely why so many people are opting out of attending concerts. A little less than a decade ago, concert tickets were as cheap as $20. Now, you can’t even buy a T-shirt for $20 at the venue.
Streaming Services
It seems like all video streaming websites and apps have increased in price. Sure, $16 or $20 isn’t a bad price, but you can easily pay over $100 a month when you have multiple subscriptions. According to a 2023 survey, one in four respondents canceled their streaming subscription because it was too expensive.
Frozen Pizza
A lot of people have cut down on food. This doesn’t just include eating out or getting delivery but also groceries. A small or medium pizza can cost as much as $10. Lots of pizza lovers have been choosing to make their own from scratch rather than buy frozen pizza. In some grocery stores, like Aldi, pizza dough is only $1.25, and it is even cheaper to make.
Soda
Like pizza, soda is an item I’ve stopped buying because it’s so expensive. I remember being able to buy a can of soda at the vending machine for $0.50. I’d even settle for a $1, but those days are gone. In some corner stores and gas stations, a can of soda can run up to $2.
Theme Parks
To be fair, theme parks have never been cheap. They’ve always been a luxury, especially big names like Disney World and Universal Studios. But now, more than ever, locals are deciding not to visit or purchase annual passes. Disney World in Orlando’s ticket prices start at $109 per day, but tickets above $200 are not uncommon.
Christmas Trees
Who doesn’t love decorating for the holidays? I have great memories of buying a new and fresh Christmas tree every year. But like many others, I’ve been reusing a plastic tree because of the price increases. According to a report from the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA), 77% of consumers were thinking of displaying an artificial tree in 2023.
Big Name Brands
Groceries hurt. They’ve gotten so expensive, in fact, that people are choosing not to buy big brand names. Store brands are growing in popularity. More than half of Americans are purchasing private store brands.
Houses
Buying a house feels nearly impossible right now. So many people are choosing to rent or stay with family instead of buying homes. Can you blame them? The average house price in the United States was $495,100 in the second quarter of 2023. Most Americans don’t have half a million to spend on housing.
Movie Theaters
Going to the movies isn’t cheap. There are so many factors you have to think about. You have to pay for the tickets, food, and any extras you want to enjoy for two hours. For some people, it’s no longer worth it. The cost isn’t the only reason, though. Some people now prefer to watch movies at home.
Nail Salons
There was a time when I could afford to get my nails done every month—a refill cost only $20 to $30. Now, the same service costs a minimum of $50. Can you see why I stopped going? This isn’t just an isolated case, either. While the average price to get your nails done varies by state, a basic manicure costs $20 to $45.
Hair Salons
Nail and hair salons aren’t too different. However, because of the cost, more and more people are choosing to cut their hair at home or go to salons infrequently. However, the price entirely depends on the salon, the service, and the area. Hair specialists, like curly hair specialists, charge a lot more compared to basic trim services.
Coffee Shops
Technically, coffee can be grouped with fast food. Not all coffee shops, though, are fast food restaurants. Coffee isn’t overly expensive, but it adds up. Spending $5 a day on coffee equals over $30 each week. It’s a lot cheaper to purchase coffee at the grocery store. Sweet lovers can also buy syrups and creamers.
41 Shocking Ways You’re Throwing Money Down the Drain
There are many ways to increase the money in your bank account. Many people start by looking at ways to make more money. And, of course, that is a great solution. But it isn’t always the easiest. A better, easier way may be to examine your spending habits. By tracking your spending and seeing where every dollar goes, you’ll likely find several instances of spending money you don’t have to. It could be little things that add up or recurring monthly expenses that are an utter waste of money.
Once you eliminate your bad spending habits, that money can go toward your emergency fund, paying off debt, or other essential things. Here are the 41 biggest wastes of money to look out for.
15 Smart Tips for Living Well on a Strict Budget
In today’s economy, strict budgeting has become a reality for many, sometimes involuntarily. With fast fashion and rapidly changing trends, temptations are on the rise. Mastering a budgeting mindset can empower a person to manage their finances responsibly. It’s a step towards achieving self-fulfillment while leaving room for some fun.
14 Insanely Overpriced Fast Food Chains You Shouldn’t Bother With
Fast food is now a luxury. My family and I have completely limited our fast-food outings. Just ordering a basic meal can cost close to $15, and it’s easy to spend even more. Some fast food spots, though, are more expensive than others. Being shocked by a food bill will surely leave a bad taste in anyone’s mouth. So when you plan an outing, consider the cost of where you will eat rather than just your favorite meals. At these prices, a sit-down restaurant with a more comfortable ambiance where you can better enjoy visiting with friends and family might be a more affordable choice. So, to help you have the best experience, I chose 14 ridiculously expensive fast-food chains you should be aware of. Many of the restaurants on this list come from my own experience and occasionally wrecked budget. Here are 14 insanely overpriced fast-food chains you shouldn’t bother with.
