20 Affordable Alternatives to Expensive Luxuries
Here are budget-friendly swaps that let you enjoy life's little indulgences without breaking the bank.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
You don’t have to spend a fortune to experience a touch of luxury in your daily life. Many high-end experiences, products, and services have affordable alternatives that offer nearly the same quality, comfort, and enjoyment. Here are ways how you can indulge in luxury without the luxurious price tag.
1. Designer Fragrances to Budget Dupes
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High-end perfumes can cost hundreds of dollars, but fragrance dupes offer similar scents for a fraction of the price. Many budget-friendly brands create nearly identical blends that last just as long. Thus, you can smell luxurious without the luxury price.
2. Fancy Coffee Shops to Home Barista Setup
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Daily lattes add up quickly, but a home espresso machine pays for itself quickly. Invest in quality beans and a frother to create cafe-style drinks at home. Your wallet and taste buds will thank you.
3. Spa Days to DIY Self-Care Rituals
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Luxury spas charge a premium for relaxation, but you can recreate the experience at home. Light scented candles, soak in a bath with essential oils, and use a facial mask for a spa-like retreat without the bill.
4. Designer Handbags to High-Quality Dupes
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You don’t need a four-figure price tag to own a stylish bag. Many brands create affordable alternatives with similar designs and durability. Find timeless pieces that offer function and fashion.
5. Michelin-Star Restaurants to Gourmet Home Cooking
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Dining at world-class restaurants is a treat, but learning to cook gourmet meals at home is just as rewarding. High-quality ingredients and simple techniques can make any meal a fine dining experience.
6. Luxury Hotels to Boutique Stays & Airbnb
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Five-star hotels offer comfort, but boutique stays and Airbnb provide unique charm at a lower cost. Many come with personalized touches and stunning views, making them an affordable yet stylish alternative.
7. Pricey Gym Memberships to At-Home Workouts
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Gym fees can be expensive, but an at-home setup with resistance bands and free weights gets the job done. Online workout programs make it easy to stay fit without a costly membership.
8. High-End Skincare to Affordable Dermatologist-Approved Brands
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Luxury skincare brands promise miracles, but many affordable brands offer the same ingredients without the markup. Look for dermatologist-approved options with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol for glowing skin on a budget.
9. Expensive Jewelry to High-Quality Alternatives
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You don’t need 18k gold or diamonds to accessorize elegantly. Brands now offer gold-plated, sterling silver, and lab-grown gemstones that provide the same luxurious aesthetic without the extravagant price tag.
10. Pricey Wine & Champagne to Affordable Award-Winning Bottles
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Many budget-friendly wines and champagnes have won awards for their taste and quality. Look for well-reviewed options from smaller wineries to enjoy a top-tier experience without the luxury price.
11. Exotic Vacations to Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations
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Dream getaways don’t have to cost a fortune. Consider hidden gems and off-season travel to enjoy breathtaking destinations without the premium price. Think Bali over Maldives or Portugal over France.
12. Private Chefs to Meal Kit Subscriptions
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Personal chefs are a luxury, but meal kit subscriptions bring gourmet-style cooking to your home. Pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes make every meal feel like a fine dining experience.
13. Custom Tailoring to Affordable Alterations
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Designer suits and dresses come at a premium, but getting budget-friendly pieces tailored to fit perfectly can make them look just as high-end. A well-fitted outfit elevates any look.
14. Name-Brand Sunglasses to Stylish Budget Options
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Luxury sunglasses often cost more for the brand than the quality. Many budget-friendly brands offer UV protection, trendy designs, and durability at a fraction of the price.
15. Pricey Bedding to Affordable Luxury Sheets
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Egyptian cotton and silk sheets sound luxurious, but budget-friendly brands offer high-thread-count sheets that feel just as soft. For ultimate comfort, look for bamboo or microfiber alternatives.
16. Luxury Watches to Minimalist Budget Timepieces
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High-end watches are a status symbol, but budget-friendly brands offer sleek, stylish alternatives with the same timeless appeal. Minimalist designs and quality craftsmanship don’t have to cost thousands.
17. Fancy Cocktails to DIY Mixology at Home
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Cocktail bars charge a premium, but mixing drinks at home saves money and lets you experiment with flavors. Invest in a few staple ingredients, and you’ll never need to overpay for a margarita again.
18. High-End Home Décor to Budget-Chic Finds
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Designer furniture and décor are beautiful, but affordable stores and thrift shops offer stylish pieces that look just as elegant. A little creativity can make your home feel luxurious without overspending.
19. Celebrity Hair Treatments to Salon-Quality DIY Care
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Expensive hair salons promise silky, healthy locks, but at-home treatments like deep conditioning masks and professional-quality styling tools give salon-worthy results at a fraction of the cost.
20. Personal Stylists to AI and Subscription Styling Services
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Hiring a stylist is a luxury, but AI styling apps and subscription boxes can help curate outfits that fit your taste and budget. Get the chic, polished look without the designer brand’s price.