20 Items Inflation Has Made Too Expensive for Most of Us

It’s clear that prices are rising fast these days, and everyone is feeling the squeeze in their budgets. Each visit to the store seems to bring a new shock at the cash register. We keep asking ourselves if we can still buy the things we used to get easily.

A recent study showed that over 90% of shoppers want to change how they buy things if prices keep going up. In fact, more than half of us have already begun shopping in new ways. We’re cutting back, finding alternatives, and getting creative with our budgets.

Today, let’s talk about 21 things that have become so expensive, many of us are saying “no thanks” and looking for other options. You might be surprised at some of the creative ways people are adapting to these price hikes. 

Ready to see if any of these sound familiar? Let’s get started!

Fresh Produce

Eating fruits and vegetables is becoming more costly. The price of fresh produce has risen by 10-15% because of things like bad weather and not enough workers. This price rise is changing how people buy their fruits and veggies.

Many people are choosing frozen fruits and vegetables, which usually cost less and are just as healthy. More people are also paying attention to eating foods that are in season, focusing on what is easy to find and cheaper during different parts of the year.

Some people have started planting their own gardens, growing simple vegetables and herbs at home to add to what they buy at the store.

Restaurant Meals

Remember when eating out was a casual affair? Those days are fading fast. Restaurant prices have jumped 6-8% on average, turning a simple meal into a significant expense. This increase is changing how we think about dining out. 

A 2024 consumer survey found that almost half of Americans are eating at restaurants less often than they did last year. Instead, 60% of us are cooking more meals at home. 

This shift is leading to a resurgence in home cooking, with people rediscovering the joys (and savings) of preparing meals in their own kitchens.

Prepared Foods and Ready Meals

Those quick meals and snacks we use when we’re busy? Their prices have risen by 8-12%. This rise is causing many buyers to pause before picking these easy choices.

Because of this, more people are making meal plans ahead and cooking larger amounts for the week. Even though it takes more time and work, this way is often better for health and surely costs less. It’s going back to simple habits that helps many families make their food money last longer.

Homes

Owning a home used to be a cornerstone of the American Dream, but that dream is getting harder to reach. In June, home prices hit an all-time high, with the average home now costing $426,900. This steep increase is pushing many potential buyers out of the market. 

As a result, people are finding creative solutions. Some are renting for longer periods, while others are moving to more affordable regions or downsizing their living spaces. It’s a tough situation, but people are adapting and finding ways to make it work.

New Cars

The days of affordable new cars seem to be in the rearview mirror. The average price of a new car in the U.S. has zoomed past $48,000, marking a 30% increase since March 2020. 

This dramatic rise has left many potential buyers stunned and reconsidering their options. Instead of driving off the lot in a shiny new vehicle, lots of folks are extending the life of their current cars through better maintenance. 

Others are turning to the used car market, looking for reliable pre-owned vehicles that won’t break the bank. It might not be as exciting as that new car smell, but it’s certainly easier on the wallet.

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Gasoline

Fill ‘er up? Not so fast! Gas prices have hit record highs, even surpassing $5 a gallon in some areas. This jump is due to a perfect storm of global tensions, oil shortages, and reduced production by global oil producers. 

The high costs are forcing many to rethink their driving habits. For those who can’t make the switch, carpooling and public transportation are becoming increasingly popular. 

Some are even dusting off their bicycles for short trips. Every mile not driven is money saved when prices are this high.

Alcohol

Raising a glass is getting pricier these days. The cost of beer, wine, and spirits has risen between 5-15%, depending on what you’re buying. This increase is due to a combination of factors, including higher costs for ingredients, packaging, and distribution. 

As a result, many people are changing their drinking habits. Some are cutting back on their alcohol consumption, while others are switching to less expensive brands. 

There’s also a growing trend of people learning to make their own cocktails at home rather than going out to bars. For wine enthusiasts, joining wine clubs or buying in bulk has become a popular way to save money while still enjoying their favorite vintages.

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Home Appliances

Replacing that old refrigerator or washing machine? Be prepared for some sticker shock. Prices for major home appliances have increased 8-12%, thanks to supply chain issues and shortages of raw materials like steel and copper. 

This jump in prices is causing many consumers to rethink their appliance purchases. More people are opting to repair their existing appliances rather than replace them, leading to a boom in the appliance repair industry. 

When replacement is necessary, many are choosing energy-efficient models that may cost more upfront but promise long-term savings on utility bills. Some are even turning to second-hand appliances or scratch-and-dent sales to find better deals.

Furniture

Furnishing a home has become more expensive. Furniture prices have gone up 10-15%, mainly because materials like wood and foam cost more, along with higher shipping fees.

This rise is changing how people buy furniture. Many are looking at secondhand shops, thrift stores, and online sites to find gently used items. There is also a growing habit of fixing and reusing old furniture to make it look new again.

For those who want new furniture, some choose modular pieces that can fit different rooms, giving them better value for their money.

Vacation Travel

Planning a vacation? You might need a bigger budget. Airfare and hotel prices have surged 20-30% in many regions, making travel a luxury for many. Nearly half (44%) of Americans interested in a summer vacation this year are skipping it due to rising air travel costs.

This dramatic increase is reshaping how people approach their time off. Many are opting for “staycations,” exploring local attractions and enjoying the comforts of home. 

Others are choosing road trips over air travel, rediscovering the joys of scenic drives and hidden local gems. For those still keen on farther destinations, off-season travel and package deals are becoming more popular as ways to save money while still getting away.

Designer Clothing

High-end fashion has always been expensive, but now the prices are going even higher. Designer clothes have gone up by 10-15% on average, making them too costly for many people who love fashion.

This price rise is changing how people buy clothes. Many are shopping at second-hand or consignment stores to get designer items for less money.

Others are choosing simple styles, focusing on good-quality basics that can be worn in many ways instead of trendy, costly pieces. Some are also learning to sew or remake their old clothes, giving old favorites a fresh look.

Electronics

Our beloved gadgets are getting pricier too. New phones, laptops, and TVs now cost about 5-10% more. This increase is largely due to a global shortage of computer chips and high demand during the pandemic. 

In response, consumers are changing their tech habits. Many are holding onto their devices longer, opting to repair rather than replace when possible. There’s also a growing market for refurbished electronics, offering like-new performance at a fraction of the cost. 

Some are even embracing a “tech diet,” reassessing which devices they truly need and which they can do without. 

Health Supplements

Staying healthy is costing more, even for over-the-counter products. Prices for vitamins, supplements, and protein powders have gone up by 5-10%. This increase is making many health-minded people rethink their supplement habits.

Some are choosing only a few important supplements instead of many. Others are changing their diets to get more vitamins and minerals from real foods.

More people are also trying store-brand or generic supplements to keep up their health routine without spending too much.

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Cigarettes

For smokers, the impact is twofold: it harms both health and money. Cigarette prices are rising by 5-10% each year in many areas, mostly because of higher taxes meant to cut down smoking. This steady rise is encouraging many smokers to stop.

Some are turning to options like vaping or nicotine patches, trying to find a cheaper way to handle their habit. Quitting smoking is hard, but the growing cost is pushing many to take action and change.

Gym Memberships

Staying fit is getting more expensive, as gym membership fees are going up by 5-10% on average. This rise is causing many fitness lovers to change how they exercise.

More people are working out at home now, buying simple gear like resistance bands and dumbbells. There is also a big increase in using fitness apps and online workout videos, which provide guided exercises for much less than a gym membership.

Outdoor activities such as running, hiking, and bodyweight exercises in parks are becoming popular again as free options instead of gym workouts.

Luxury Handbags

Designer bags have always been costly, but now their prices are going even higher. Fancy handbags have gone up by as much as 20%, making them too expensive for many fashion lovers.

This big price jump is changing how people buy luxury items. Many are looking at secondhand shops, where used designer bags can be bought for less money.

Some people choose good-quality bags that are not designer brands but still look nice without the high cost. Others are thinking twice about buying luxury goods at all, deciding to spend their money on other things or save it for later.

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Pet Food

Our four-legged family members are feeling the squeeze as well. Prices for premium pet food have gone up by 10-15%, making it harder for pet owners to manage their budgets. This rise is causing many to rethink what they feed their pets.

Some people are changing to cheaper brands or searching for discounts and chances to buy in bulk. More pet owners are interested in preparing homemade pet meals, studying recipes to keep them balanced and healthy.

Others are giving fewer treats or choosing healthier, low-cost options like small pieces of fruits or vegetables that are safe for pets.

Streaming Services

Remember when cutting the cord was supposed to save money? Well, those savings are shrinking. Subscription prices for platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ have increased 10-15%. 

This rise is prompting many to reassess their digital entertainment budgets. Some households are limiting themselves to one or two services at a time, rotating subscriptions to access different content throughout the year. 

Others are rediscovering the value of free, ad-supported streaming options or local library resources for movies and TV shows. There’s also a growing trend of content sharing among family and friends, with people splitting the cost of subscriptions to make them more affordable.

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Healthcare

The cost of staying healthy is rising faster than many can keep up with. Healthcare expenses have outpaced inflation, with annual increases of 5-10% in premiums and medical services. This steady climb is forcing many to make difficult decisions about their health care. 

Some are opting for high-deductible health plans to lower their monthly premiums, while others are exploring telemedicine options for more affordable care. Many are also focusing more on preventive care and healthy lifestyle choices to avoid costly medical interventions down the line. 

For medications, more people are asking about generic alternatives or using prescription discount programs to manage costs.

Home Improvement Supplies

That home renovation project you’ve been planning? It might cost more than you thought. The price of home improvement supplies has jumped 15-25%, with items like lumber, paint, and hardware seeing significant increases. 

This surge is changing how homeowners approach their projects. Many are scaling back their plans, focusing on smaller, high-impact improvements rather than major overhauls. There’s a growing trend of upcycling and repurposing existing materials to save money. 

Some DIY enthusiasts are even turning to reclaimed materials or salvage yards for unique, cost-effective solutions to their home improvement needs.

Smart Saving in Tough Times

It’s clear that we all have hard decisions about what to buy and what to leave out. But there is a bright side: these problems are helping us become more creative and careful. We are learning to focus on what really matters and finding smart ways to save on other things.

Think about it, we are cooking more meals, fixing old furniture, and even growing our own vegetables. We are enjoying home fun and nearby trips again. In a way, these money worries are helping us live more simply and thoughtfully.

Remember, we are all facing this together. Sharing advice and helping each other can make these tough money times easier to handle.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.