People are comparing the cost of living now to the past, and it's dark.
As a cost-of-living crisis looms world wide, the United States is not immune to the threat. Global inflation continues to increase, and economists warn of the US falling into a recession. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates (the first time in almost 20 years) which is a common tactic to bring inflation rates down.
Nevertheless, people are worried about how they'll afford their cost of living as Americans are already stretched thin as it is. People even went so far as to compare their cost of living in the past to what it is now to show the stark realities of Americans trying to survive.
1. Going out to eat.
How many of you have stopped going out to dinner or a night out?
— David Espinoza ESPI's Opinion (@ESPIsOpinion) October 17, 2022
How long has it been?
For me 6 months.
Too expensive
It looks like my fellow millennials will finally be putting the avocado toast down.
2. Snacks
Beef jerkys too expensive, just give me the meat and I’ll jerk it myself
— Salty 👁🗨 (@Chopper_D_Goat) October 18, 2022
While obviously a joke, food prices have increased so much that some Americans should start growing their own.
3. Homes.
-20 years ago, working as a server, I lived in a corner 1 bdrm apt downtown with amazing water views for $700/month.
— NTK (@ntkallday) October 10, 2022
-A similar apt now $3,600/month, more than 5x as much.
-As a lawyer at age 47 I am unable to afford living in the apartment I did at age 27 while waiting tables
While the user explains that they practice public interest law, have a small family, and are saddled with student debt. They also have a working partner and make significantly more now than 20 years ago and still have a similar standard of living.
20 years ago, I rented a carriage house for 350 a month. I paid for it with a bartender position while in school. I saw a similar place for rent the other day for 3200 a month. I have a PhD ans couldn't afford that now. It's out of control
— That's Doctor 🕷spider girl🕸 to you! (@AmberlyPartridg) October 11, 2022
Your professors are also not doing well!
The attic apartment I shared with my girlfriend 25 years ago was $800/month. It was recently converted to a condo and sold for 3.5 million
— Matthew Moore (@thepolicyprof) October 11, 2022
$800 a month for a year is $9600.
The apartment I lived in back in 1996 with a roommate while I was in grad school most recently was listed for $2.2 million & the monthly condo fee is $3,100. I paid $400. https://t.co/OzVTOt0KRD
— KD (@Fly_Sistah) October 11, 2022
I never thought I'd say I wish it was 1996 again.
In 2014, I was a retail worker and could afford to buy a 2-bedroom condo for $90K at 2.2%.
— Jenn 🏳️🌈✡️🇺🇦 (@JennieTetreault) October 11, 2022
In 2022, I am a lawyer and can afford to buy the same 2-bedroom condo for $315K at 8%.
It's really incredibly depressing to work so hard and not get ahead.
I would've been better off buying a house in 2014 than finishing college.
4. Traveling.
i have no idea how everyone is able to travel to other states for events with these flight costs
— emma (@emma_____weaver) October 13, 2022
The tourist economy of Time Square is about to suffer.
5. Going outside.
I used to stay home because I disliked crowds and people. Now I just stay home because outside is too expensive.
— saroanco (@saroanco) October 16, 2022
I will be using this excuse to stay home.
6. Water and Electricity
In Norway they are going to empty public swimming pools this winter to save electricity.
— PeterSweden (@PeterSweden7) October 13, 2022
Gyms have been urging people to not shower for more than 2 minutes because it's too expensive.
🤡
Mad Max looks like it could be our future rather than the dystopian future we imagine for our grandkids.
7. Life.
being alive is a little too expensive for me rn
— mysticc (@mystickplug) October 14, 2022