13 Things the Middle Class Can No Longer Afford
If it feels like you can’t afford anything these days, you’re not alone. The middle class — once the backbone of the American Dream — is being squeezed like never before. With stagnant wages, an uncertain job market, and skyrocketing costs, milestones that were once within reach now feel more distant than ever. From buying a home to taking a family vacation once a year, financial security is slipping away by the day. Here are 13 things that have become harder to afford in today’s society.
1. Starting a Family
From steep hospital bills to diapers, formula, and even future tuition, the costs of child-rearing start early and don’t let up. As a result, more and more Americans are now choosing to delay or opt out of parenthood entirely because of the financial strain.
2. Homeownership
Once a cornerstone of the American Dream, owning a home has become a pipe dream for many. Compared to 60 years ago, home prices have grown at a rate far outpacing wage growth. Even those who manage to save for a down payment can face stiff competition, bidding wars, and sky-high mortgage rates. For many, renting is no longer a stepping stone; it’s the only option.
3. College Degrees
Once upon a time, a college degree used to be an investment that paid for itself. But fast forward to today, and soaring tuition costs coupled with crushing student debt have turned higher education into what feels like a scam. Graduates now enter the workforce burdened by loans that can take decades to pay off, and even then, a diploma no longer guarantees a well-paying job.
4. Family Vacations
What was once a yearly tradition for middle-class families has become a rare splurge for many. Between rising costs in airfare, hotel fees, and gas, the price tag of a simple trip has skyrocketed in recent years. As a result, many families now opt for staycations or skip vacations altogether just to keep up with other bills. But the real loss? All those memories we miss out on.
5. Childcare
For working parents, affording quality childcare can be another major expense. With surging prices and overcrowded daycare centers, many families face an impossible choice: Spend an entire paycheck on childcare or leave the workforce altogether to become a stay-at-home parent. These added expenses make it harder than ever to strike a healthy work-life balance.
6. Healthcare
It’s no secret that many Americans are just one medical emergency away from going broke. Deductibles, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs have risen to the point where some people are opting to delay, or even skip necessary treatment to avoid the hefty medical bills. Even prescription drugs can cost hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars a month, even with insurance.
7. Owning a Car
Once a rite of passage, buying a car today can be a tricky investment for many middle-class families. With the average price of a new vehicle surging to nearly $50,000 ($49,740 to be exact), not everyone can afford to buy a car. To make matters worse, even used vehicles remain stubbornly expensive due to supply chain issues and inflation. Even for those who can secure financing, soaring insurance rates, maintenance costs, and gas prices make keeping a car on the road a constant financial burden.
8. Groceries
Food costs have crept up steadily over the years, turning supermarket runs into budgeting nightmares. Even pantry staples that used to be affordable like eggs, bread, and cereal have gone up in price. As a result, many middle-class families are forced to trim their grocery lists by cutting out fresh produce, or turning to cheaper (but unhealthy) processed foods.
9. Retirement Savings
The dream of retiring comfortably is slipping out of reach for many middle-class workers. Traditional pensions have all but vanished, and 401(k)s depend heavily on fluctuating markets and how they perform. With so many people focused on managing day-to-day expenses, saving for retirement can become an afterthought. As a result, many older Americans are forced to work longer or face uncertain futures if they don’t have a nest egg to fall back on.
10. Emergency Fund
While everyone hopes to have an emergency fund to rely on in case of emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances, the truth is that having a savings account is a privilege that not everyone has. For those living paycheck to paycheck, a surprise medical bill or car repair can derail that entire month’s budget. Without a financial cushion, people then turn to credit cards or loans — and end up sinking even deeper into debt.
11. Basic Utilities
Even basic services like electricity, heating, and internet are now eating up a larger share of our incomes. Energy prices have surged in recent years, and high-speed internet can cost an arm and a leg. For low-to middle-income households, these bills can leave one feeling super stressed at the end of the month. Cutting back isn’t easy when even “the basics” are no longer affordable.
12. Home Repairs and Maintenance
Owning a home doesn’t just mean making the mortgage — it also means keeping things from falling apart. From a broken water heater to roof repairs or plumbing issues, the costs of owning a home can be hefty.
13. Eating at Restaurants
Going out for a nice dinner now feels like a splurge thanks to rising food prices — and don’t even get me started on those $20 cocktails. Tipping expectations have gone up too, with some restaurants automatically slapping on a 18-20% gratuity fee before you’ve even taken a bite. For many middle-class families, dining out is no longer a regular occurrence; it’s a rare treat reserved for only special occasions like birthdays or graduations.
Curious what else is harder for middle-class families these days?
Read our stories on 10 Ways the Cost of Living Has Increased Since the Boomer Era and 15 Things That Used To Be Affordable But Are Now Reserved for the Rich. You might also enjoy 10 Things Rich People Don’t Understand About Student Loan Debt.