With the cost of living steadily increasing, people are being forced to rethink how they spend their money. Many everyday items, services, and activities have become too expensive to justify.
Whether it’s due to inflation, supply chain disruptions, or rising demand, people are making sacrifices and giving up things they once enjoyed. Here are 15 things that have become so expensive that people are starting to give them up altogether.
Designer Coffee
Designer coffee from popular chains has become a daily luxury fewer people are willing to indulge in. With prices for specialty lattes and brews climbing, many are opting to brew their coffee at home.
A daily coffee habit can quickly add up, so people are saving money by using coffee makers, French presses, or even switching to instant coffee. Some have even taken to making their own fancy drinks at home to mimic the cafe experience. With the cost of a cup reaching $5 or more, people are skipping the line and sticking to home-brewed coffee.
Streaming Service Subscriptions
Streaming services have become increasingly expensive as more platforms emerge, and subscription costs continue to rise. People are realizing that paying for multiple services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max is no longer affordable. As a result, many are canceling their subscriptions or switching to free, ad-supported alternatives.
Some are even sharing accounts with friends or family to save money. The abundance of options has also caused subscription fatigue, leading people to reconsider which services they truly need.
Frequent Travel
Traveling, especially flying, has become a costly endeavor due to rising airfare, hotel prices, and travel fees. Many people are cutting back on vacations and opting for road trips, staycations, or simply not traveling at all.
The increased cost of flights and accommodations, combined with inflation in food and activities, has made it harder for families to justify big trips. While travel once offered a fun escape, the growing expense has turned it into a rare luxury for many. Instead of long-distance adventures, people are sticking closer to home.
Concerts and Festivals
Attending live concerts and festivals has always been a popular form of entertainment, but the ticket prices are becoming unmanageable. With VIP packages, service fees, and transportation costs, the price of attending a music event can be astronomical.
Many people are skipping concerts altogether or opting for smaller, local shows that are more affordable. The rise of online streaming events has also given people a cheaper alternative to see their favorite artists without the high price tag. The cost of entertainment has reached a tipping point for many music lovers.
New Technology Gadgets
Keeping up with the latest smartphones, laptops, and other tech gadgets has become increasingly difficult due to rising prices. Many people are choosing to hold onto their older devices for longer or buy refurbished products instead of paying for the latest models.
The cost of new technology, coupled with shorter product lifecycles, makes upgrading less appealing. Rather than chasing the newest releases, people are finding satisfaction in using what they already have. This trend has caused a shift in priorities, where functionality is valued over novelty.
Uber and Rideshares
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft used to be an affordable way to get around, but rising prices and surge fees are causing people to rethink their transportation choices. The cost of a ride during peak times can easily double or triple, making it too expensive for casual use.
As a result, more people are turning to public transportation, walking, biking, or even driving their own cars again. The convenience of rideshares is still appreciated, but it’s no longer the budget-friendly option it once was.
Organic Groceries
While organic food is often considered healthier and more environmentally friendly, its high price tag is pushing people toward cheaper, non-organic alternatives. Organic produce, meats, and packaged goods can cost significantly more than their conventional counterparts.
As grocery bills continue to climb, many families are opting for conventional food items to save money. The premium cost of organic products is simply too much for many people trying to stick to a budget. As a result, the demand for organic food has slowed as affordability takes precedence.
Going to the Hair Salon
Haircuts, coloring, and styling services have become more expensive, leading many people to stretch out the time between salon visits or do their hair at home. With rising labor and product costs, salons have had to increase their prices, making it harder for customers to justify frequent visits.
DIY hair care has gained popularity, with people learning to trim their own hair, use at-home dye kits, and try out new styles themselves. Going to the salon used to be a regular treat, but now it’s becoming a less frequent luxury.
Monthly Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes for clothing, beauty products, and specialty goods were once a trendy way to get curated items delivered to your door. However, with rising subscription fees and the increasing number of boxes to choose from, many people are canceling their memberships.
The monthly costs can add up quickly, and not all boxes provide enough value to justify the expense. With budgets tightening, people are becoming more selective about what they spend money on, and subscription boxes are often seen as unnecessary. Many are opting to buy only what they need when they need it.
Luxury Gym Memberships
High-end gyms with exclusive classes and premium amenities are no longer in the budget for many fitness enthusiasts. With the rise of online workout platforms, budget gyms, and home fitness equipment, people are canceling their expensive memberships. Paying for a fancy gym is hard to justify when there are so many affordable or even free ways to stay in shape.
The convenience and cost savings of working out at home have made luxury gyms less appealing to the average person. As a result, many are making the switch to more budget-friendly options.
Dining at Fancy Restaurants
Fine dining used to be a special treat for celebrations or date nights, but now it’s becoming a rare luxury. The cost of a meal at a high-end restaurant, especially when factoring in drinks, tips, and service charges, can quickly add up. Many people are opting for more casual dining options or cooking at home instead.
While the experience of dining out is enjoyable, the rising cost of food and service has made it harder for people to justify spending so much on a single meal. Fine dining is slowly being replaced by simpler, more affordable options.
Luxury Handbags
Designer handbags have always been expensive, but the prices have climbed so high that many people are choosing to buy secondhand or forgo them altogether. With some luxury bags costing thousands of dollars, they are no longer practical purchases for most people.
Secondhand shopping apps and thrift stores have made it easier to find high-quality bags at a fraction of the cost. People are also beginning to prioritize function over fashion, choosing affordable and durable options instead of splurging on designer items.
High-End Furniture
Furnishing a home with high-end furniture has become an unattainable goal for many. Rising material and shipping costs have driven up the price of luxury furniture, causing people to seek out more affordable alternatives.
Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and budget-friendly retailers like IKEA are becoming more popular for home furnishings. People are also opting to refurbish or repurpose old furniture to save money. The cost of creating a stylish home has become a significant financial burden, leading many to look for creative, budget-friendly solutions.
Owning a Vacation Home
For many, the dream of owning a vacation home is fading as real estate prices skyrocket. With the cost of purchasing, maintaining, and insuring a second property, owning a vacation home is simply out of reach for most people.
Instead, many are opting for short-term rentals like Airbnb or VRBO when they want to get away. The hassle and expense of maintaining a second home, combined with rising property taxes, have made vacation homeownership less appealing. Renting when necessary is proving to be a more practical and affordable option.
High-End Electronics
The latest gadgets and high-end electronics, such as cutting-edge TVs, smart home devices, and gaming systems, are becoming prohibitively expensive. Many people are choosing to stick with their current devices for longer or buy refurbished products instead of splurging on the newest models.
The constant release of upgraded electronics can create a sense of urgency, but the high cost has caused many to reconsider. People are beginning to prioritize functionality over having the latest tech, especially as prices continue to rise.
I've been writing and teaching for over 16 years. I enjoy creating fun and interesting content that helps people learn about new topics and find the information they're looking for.