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13 Everyday Expenses That Didn’t Exist 30 Years Ago

From food deliveries to streaming services, the last 30 years have seen everyday expenses evolve into convenient, tech-driven subscriptions that shape our modern lifestyle.

  • Alyana Aguja
  • 5 min read
13 Everyday Expenses That Didn’t Exist 30 Years Ago
Alexander Mils from Unsplash

In the last 30 years, daily costs have shifted from physical buys to subscription services that prioritize convenience and instant pleasure. Devices such as smartphones, streaming services, and food ordering apps have reshaped the way we consume entertainment, run our homes, and even look after ourselves. Such services have embedded themselves in the contemporary way of life, imposing new expenses unthinkable three decades ago but providing unparalleled convenience in return.

1. Subscription Streaming Services (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)

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Prior to the 2000s, we used physical rentals or cable TV for viewing entertainment. Today, Netflix and Hulu are changing how we consume movies and television programs, with on-demand streaming for a subscription fee. They continue to change with exclusive content and several levels of subscription plans to accommodate different viewing patterns.

2. Smartphones and Data Plans

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In 1995, cell phones were primarily reserved for calling and texting, with limited internet access. Presently, smartphones are do-it-all devices, providing social media, entertainment, and productivity applications in your hands. With them, we also shell out money every month for data packages that grant us internet on the move.

3. Food Delivery Apps (UberEats, DoorDash, Grubhub)

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Placing takeout orders previously meant picking up the phone and calling the restaurant, but now, food-ordering apps make getting meals delivered to your doorstep as easy as possible. The apps charge service fees and delivery charges, adding a little extra to your meal cost. You have your choice of plenty of local eateries, many within 30 minutes.

4. Cloud Storage Services (Google Drive, Dropbox)

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Physical hard drives used to be the standard for storing data, but nowadays, we keep everything from documents to photos on the cloud. Google Drive and Dropbox charge a monthly or yearly fee depending on how much space you require. Having the ability to access files on any device has made cloud storage a daily expense for most people.

5. Online Shopping and Memberships (Amazon Prime, Etsy)

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Shopping has become digitized with services such as Amazon Prime, which provides free shipping, special discounts, and entertainment packages. Membership is an expense, but it grants instant access to an extensive online store. With the emergence of online stores on platforms like Etsy, we now regularly spend money on products that previously necessitated a physical visit to the store.

6. Digital Fitness Subscriptions (Peloton, Beachbody On Demand)

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Previously, gym memberships were the most common method of getting fit, but now individuals are opting more and more for digital fitness platforms to exercise. Peloton provides live and on-demand cycling, running, and yoga classes for a monthly fee. Such services appeal to individuals who want flexibility and convenience without a physical gym.

7. Online Learning Platforms (MasterClass, Coursera)

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Learning has left the confines of the traditional classroom with MasterClass, Udemy, and Coursera providing online classes in many subjects. Learning to cook with Gordon Ramsay or taking a programming class is just a click away through these services, which pay for content access from masterclass instructors. They have proved to be a cost-effective means to update one’s skills from home.

8. Smart Home Devices and Subscriptions (Ring, Nest, Alexa)

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Smart home devices such as Ring doorbells, Nest thermostats, and Alexa speakers are ubiquitous in homes. All require an up-front purchase price and sometimes a subscription to get enhanced features. Ring provides cloud storage for video images, and Nest has subscription programs for extended residential security. Such systems are becoming a part of daily life and simplifying our work, but they also cost us more.

9. Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber, Lyft)

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Taxis used to be the primary paid mode of transportation, but ride-sharing services have revolutionized the way we travel. Uber and Lyft now provide a more convenient, frequently cheaper option, with fares based on distance and demand. Their ubiquity has made them a standard fixture in people’s transportation budgets.

10. Pet Insurance

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Pet insurance was not common in the ’90s, but now it’s a standard for pet owners. Due to the increasing cost of vet care, most people resort to purchasing insurance to reimburse medical procedures. Pet insurance policies may cover accidents, diseases, and wellness care, so it’s a monthly or yearly recurring payment for concerned pet owners.

11. Video Game Subscriptions (Xbox Live, PlayStation Plus)

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Video gaming has changed from individual, single-player titles to online multi-player networks and monthly subscription games. Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus offer not only access to online gaming but also special discounts, free games, and cloud storage. These features have become mainstream for contemporary gamers, adding to the total cost of having a console.

12. Streaming Music Services (Spotify, Apple Music)

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Those days are gone when we used to buy physical albums or CDs. Today, we pay for a music subscription to listen to millions of songs on demand. Spotify and Apple Music require monthly payments, with curated playlists, podcasts, and artist-exclusive content. The ease of accessing any song at your fingertips has turned music subscription into a regular expense in many budgets.

13. Meal Kit Delivery Services (Blue Apron, HelloFresh)

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Meal kit delivery services have become popular among busy consumers seeking to prepare food at home without going through the tedium of grocery shopping. Companies such as Blue Apron and HelloFresh send pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to your doorstep with a payment per meal or per week subscription. These meal kits have opened up cooking but at a higher cost than regular grocery shopping.

Written by: Alyana Aguja

Alyana is a Creative Writing graduate with a lifelong passion for storytelling, sparked by her father’s love of books. She’s been writing seriously for five years, fueled by encouragement from teachers and peers. Alyana finds inspiration in all forms of art, from films by directors like Yorgos Lanthimos and Quentin Tarantino to her favorite TV shows like Mad Men and Modern Family. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her immersed in books, music, or painting, always chasing her next creative spark.

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