9 Things Boomers Had That Millennials And Gen Z Will Never Afford

Written by Colby Droscher on
A black and white image of a family of four standing in front of a small brick house. The parents and two children are facing the house, holding hands. A car is parked to the left. The house has a "For Sale" sign.

Boomers grew up in a time when certain luxuries were just a normal part of life. Things that now seem completely out of reach for Millenials and Gen Z. From dirt-cheap real estate to airline tickets that didn’t cost a paycheck (and you got leg room), here are 9 things Boomers had that younger generations will likely never afford.

1. A Mortgage on a Single Income

A family of four, consisting of two adults and two children, stands on a sidewalk facing a two-story brick house with white shutters. The adults hold the children's hands. Trees and shrubs are visible around the house.
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In the 1980s, the median home price in the U.S. was $47,200 ($170,000 adjusted for inflation). In 2025, the median home price is $400,000, and wages are failing to keep up. Boomers could buy a home on one salary, but today,y even dual-income households struggle to achieve homeownership.

2. A College Degree Without Crippling Debt

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In 1970, the annual tuition at a public university was around $394 ($3,000 in 2025 money). Now, the average in-state tuition at a public college is over $10,000. College was once a much more reasonable expense without having to take on student loans that take decades to pay off.

3. A New Car That Was Actually Affordable

Black and white image of a showroom with a 1970s Honda Accord. Two people are inspecting the car with the driver’s door open. Large “Honda Accord” and “A car for today” signage is visible in the background.
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In 1970, a brand-new car cost around $3,500 ($27,000 in 2025 money). Now, the average new car price has skyrocketed to over $48,000. It was once a realistic goal for young adults to buy a new car, but now it often requires taking on long-term debt.

4. Jobs With Pensions

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Many jobs used to come with guaranteed pensions that ensured retirees had steady income for life. Now, most workers rely on 401(k) plans subject to stock market fluctuations, making retirement far less secure. It’s more common that Boomers could count on retirement, but younger generations must hope they’ve saved enough.

5. Dirt-Cheap Rent

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In 1980, the media U.S. rent was $243 per month ($900 in today’s money). The median rent today is over $2,000 per month in many cities. Rent used to be a fraction of a paycheck, whereas now it consumes entire salaries.

6. Affordable Health Insurance

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In 1970, the average family health insurance premium was around $435 per year ($3,200 in today’s money). Now, the average family premium is over $24,000 per year. Not to mention that medical costs have skyrocketed, making healthcare unaffordable for many, even if they’re insured.

7. The Ability to Raise a Family on One Parent’s Salary

A family of four walks briskly by a row of suburban houses. The father carries a jacket over his shoulder, the young boy holds a backpack, the mother carries a baby and checks her watch, all appearing to be in a hurry.
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It used to be common for one parent to stay home while the other’s salary covered all of the expenses. Now, most households need two full-time incomes, and even that is often not enough. Living on one income was once the norm, but now it’s nearly impossible.

8. Cheap Airfare (With Legroom)

A group of people inside an airplane cabin, holding drinks and socializing. Several are standing in the aisle, smiling, while others are seated. The interior features beige and white seats with overhead compartments.
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In 1979, a round-trip domestic flight cost around $140 ($570 today). That same flight today would cost over $800, and that doesn’t include all of the fees. Flying used to be affordable and much more comfortable.

9. Credit Cards Without Excessively High Interest Rates

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In the 1980s, the average credit card APR was around 12%, compared to the average APR today of over 20%, with some cards charging 30% or more. Borrowing has become much more expensive, making debt a lifelong burden for many.