8 Things That Are Becoming Unaffordable Unless You’re a Millionaire
Written by
Cindy Lamothe
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Remember when grabbing brunch, buying concert tickets or even dreaming of homeownership felt doable? These days, it feels like unless you’ve got a trust fund or a spare million lying around, a lot of everyday (and not-so-everyday) things are quickly slipping out of reach.
“I’ve noticed an insane shift in what used to be attainable for six-figure earners,” said Andrew Lokenauth, money expert and owner of Fluent in Finance. “As someone who’s worked in wealth management for years, I’ve seen firsthand how things that were once luxury items have become straight-up impossible for even successful professionals.”
From grocery store sticker shock to the price of a simple date night, here are some of the things that are becoming luxuries for the ultra-wealthy — and borderline laughable for the rest of us.
Also see six things even the upper middle class can’t afford in 2025.
Housing
“Let me tell you about housing first,” Lokenauth said.
In Queens (where he spent most of his life), a basic three-bedroom house in a decent neighborhood could require about $1 million. And he’s not talking about anything fancy — just a regular home built in the ’70s that needs updating.
“Even earning $300,000 per year won’t get you there anymore. It’s wild,” he said.
He’s not wrong. CNBC reported that from early 2020 to mid-2024, home prices went up 47%. And the median sale price was five times the median household income.
Pricey Cars
Cars have gotten completely out of hand too, according to Lokenauth. He recently tried helping a client (making $180,000) find a new luxury SUV. The Mercedes GLS they wanted? It started at $85,000 but ended up being $115,000 with basic options.
“And don’t even get me started on the waiting lists — six to eight months minimum. The car market’s turned into this crazy exclusive club,” he said.
Private School Tuition
Private school tuition is another big one that’s shocking Lokenauth’s clients. He recalled when $20,000 a year was considered expensive. Now he said the top schools in major cities are pushing $60,000 per kid per year.
After taxes, he exclaimed that’s basically impossible unless you’re clearing $400,000.
Vacation Homes
Another big thing is that the vacation home market has completely transformed. Lokenauth said a modest lake house that went for $300,000 five years ago could now hit $800,000 to $900,000.
And maintenance costs have also exploded — with one of his clients paying $4,000 per month just for basic upkeep on their small beach cottage.
Specialized Medical Care
Another costly area is specialized medical care — the kind not covered by insurance. Lokenauth has clients paying $15,000-plus annually just for direct primary care services.
“Add in some specialized treatments, and it gets scary fast,” he said.
High-End Kitchen Appliances
Lokenauth said the thing that bugs him most is watching regular luxury items turn into ultra-luxury items, including simple stuff like high-end kitchen appliances. A Sub-Zero fridge plus Wolf range combo? He said that’ll run you $35,000-plus now.
“It’s gotten absurd,” he said.
Travel
Travel’s changed dramatically too, according to Lokenauth. Business class tickets to Europe that were $3,000 to $4,000 are now routinely $8,000 to $12,000.
First class is pushing $20,000 on popular routes. And good luck finding availability without booking six months out.
Premium Youth Sports Programs
Lastly, here’s one Lokenauth said that surprised him — premium youth sports programs. Between specialized coaching, travel teams and equipment, Lokenauth said parents are dropping $50,000-plus annually per kid.
“That used to be the cost for an entire childhood of sports,” he explained.
He said the craziest part is watching this affect people who’d be considered wealthy by most standards.
“I’ve got clients making $500,000 who feel priced out of things that used to be totally reasonable for their income level. The goal posts keep moving further out,” Lokenauth said.
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