Streaming Services
Streaming services used to be affordable. Now, as the so-called streaming wars continue, it seems like there are too many services to pay for.
Source: Mollie Sivaram/Unsplash
Even worse, these streaming services continue to raise their prices in what seems like every year. Many people even miss how easy cable used to be — before it too got pricey.
Cable
One of the reasons streaming services such as Netflix became such mainstays in peoples’ homes is because of the exorbitant price of cable TV.
Source: Jonas Leupe/Unsplash
Even though streaming has increased its rates, cable still remains very expensive for many average Americans. Therefore, many have decided to keep their home cable-free to cut out this extra expense.
Airbnb
Traveling can be incredibly expensive. For a while, many travelers were able to save some money by staying in Airbnbs, rather than pricey hotels.
Source: Karsten Winegeart/Unsplash
However, Airbnb costs have risen, thanks to additional fees. As a result, many Airbnb options are no longer cheaper than hotels, leaving travelers with the decision to cease using Airbnb altogether.
Junk Food
Junk food and potentially unhealthy snacks used to be a cheap option for many. Who doesn’t enjoy snacking on a bag of chips, or buying a bottle of soda with your lunch?
Source: Esperanza Doronila/Unsplash
Now that many junk food items have soared in price, people are staying away from eating these things. In the long run, this may be the healthier choice.
Fast Food
Once upon a time, fast food used to be a great option for those who were looking for a quick, affordable meal. Now, however, fast food menu prices have skyrocketed.
Source: Erik Mclean/Unsplash
Many of these eateries are now no longer affordable. As a result, many have chosen to steer clear of eating out at fast food restaurants. Instead, they’re buying food from grocery stores and saving money.
Food Delivery
Who doesn’t enjoy a reliable food delivery service? Sometimes, the last thing you want to do is go out to get a meal. However, now many people are having to do exactly this, as food delivery services and fees have become too pricey.
Source: DoorDash/Unsplash
Services like Uber Eats and DoorDash have raised their prices. Now, it’s much more affordable for people to actually go pick up food in person.
Cereal
Many products in grocery stores have gone up in price. Boxed cereal is one of those products. Now, it’s hard for many Americans to rationalize spending almost $7 for just one box of cereal.
Source: Etienne Girardet/Unsplash
As a result, many shoppers are deciding to purchase store-brand bags of cereal that tend to be much cheaper than the boxed name-brand options.
A New Car
Buying a brand-new car has always been a costly endeavor. However, not too long ago, people on a budget could invest in a new car at an affordable price.
Source: Sarah Brown/Unsplash
Even this option seems to be gone, now, as the once basic, affordable vehicles are incredibly expensive. Americans are choosing to not buy new cars as a result of these high prices.
Concerts
Concerts have been increasing in cost for a while. However, the days of going to a concert and spending less than $50 seem to be long gone.
Source: Anthony DELANOIX/Unsplash
Even if you do manage to snag a cheap concert ticket, adding up the costs of parking, extra ticket fees, and food or drink prices quickly makes the entire concert experience very expensive.
A College Degree
A college degree is another aspect of American life that has always been rather pricey. However, recent years have seen the price of college tuition skyrocket to absurd amounts.
Source: MD Duran/Unsplash
Now, so many Americans are rethinking the costly investment that is obtaining a college degree. As they don’t want to have to deal with extreme student loans for the next few decades of their lives, they’re choosing to forgo college.
Health Insurance
The United States has had a tricky relationship with health insurance since its inception. Though moves have been made to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for all, this hasn’t really happened.
Source: Scott Graham/Unsplash
Instead, many people have realized that they’re paying far too much for their health insurance — especially thanks to out-of-pocket expenses and high premiums.