20 Everyday Items That Used to Be Cheap But Now Cost a Fortune
Many everyday items that used to be cheap have seen significant price increases in the past few years, shocking consumers with their new prices. Prices often go up due to inflation, problems in the supply chain, and higher costs of making the goods.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
Prices of everyday items have gone through the roof in the last few decades, forcing people to face the fact that things that used to be cheap are now expensive. Things like food, clothes, and household necessities that used to be cheap are now pricey, making many people rethink what they buy. Several economic factors, such as inflation, problems in the global supply chain, and changes in market demand, have led to these price hikes. This article shows how rising prices affect everyday life by focusing on 20 such items. It also shows how consumers must change their habits to deal with these changes.
1. Eggs
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Eggs used to be a basic food item that wasn’t too expensive, but they’ve become more pricey in recent years. The price has increased because of bird flu, supply chain problems, and higher feed costs. People have to pay more for this simple kitchen item these days.
2. Gasoline
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For years, gas prices have been rising, greatly straining people’s wallets. This is due to changes in global oil prices, problems in geopolitics, and significant increases in demand. Things that used to be cheap are now eating up family budgets more than ever.
3. Coffee
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Coffee used to be a cheap treat you could enjoy every day, but now, the cost of beans has gone through the roof because of climate change and a lack of workers. Because of higher demand and broken supply chains, the cost of importing and processing coffee beans has also gone up. Hence, a daily cup of coffee is now a treat for many.
4. Milk
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Milk prices have been steadily increasing because of higher feed costs and a lack of workers in dairy farms. The price of these once-cheap grocery items has increased because more people want organic and specialty milk. Families are having a hard time because milk used to be cheap and basic, but now the prices are increasing.
5. Bread
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Bread used to be cheap and easy to find, but its price has increased sharply due to a lack of wheat and higher overhead costs. Droughts and other weather changes worldwide have damaged wheat crops, making them more expensive to harvest and process. Because of this, many families now consider a simple loaf of bread a treat.
6. Chicken
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Chicken used to be a cheap protein choice for families, but its price has increased dramatically due to higher feed and processing costs. A lack of workers and the rising cost of transportation have made it even more expensive. What used to be cheap and useful meat now costs a lot and needs to be budgeted carefully.
7. T-shirts
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As labor, materials, and transportation costs go up, so do the prices of basic cotton T-shirts. Prices have increased because more people want clothes that are made ethically and last long. T-shirts used to be cheap, but now, they cost $20 or more in many stores.
8. Bottled Water
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Bottled water was a cheap and easy way to get water from the tap, but now it’s surprisingly expensive. Prices have increased because more people want premium water brands and because of the higher costs of making and shipping them. People now have to pay a lot more for a simple water bottle.
9. Toilet Paper
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Toilet paper has increased, and supply chain problems have caused prices to skyrocket. Prices went up because people bought things in panic during times of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic. For some, buying something that used to be a cheap household necessity now feels like a treat.
10. Cereal
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Costs of items like grains and sugar have increased, meaning breakfast cereals cost more. Companies are also spending money on more complicated marketing and packaging plans, increasing prices. People used to get a simple and cheap breakfast option for a lot less money.
11. Fruit
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Fresh fruit prices have gone through the roof because of changes in the weather and environment. Problems with the global supply chain and rising transportation costs have also increased prices. A snack that used to be easy to get and inexpensive is now out of reach for many.
12. Pizza
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Pizza used to be a quick and cheap meal, but now it costs a lot more because the cost of ingredients and labor has increased. The prices of pizza boxes, cheese, and dough have all increased, making it harder for stores to keep their prices low. Because of this, the price of a simple pizza delivery or takeout has gone through the roof in the last few years.
13. Rent
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The cost of renting has gone up a lot, especially in cities, making it harder and harder to find cheap housing. In many cities, there isn’t enough housing to meet the demand, so rents are increasing. What used to be a manageable monthly cost is now making it hard for many families to pay their bills.
14. Smartphones
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Smartphones used to be easy to get and not too expensive, but now even the most basic ones cost several hundred dollars. The prices of smartphones have increased a lot because of inflation and the constant progress of technology. What used to be a cheap way to talk to people is now an expensive purchase.
15. Movie Tickets
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Ticket prices for movies have steadily increased for years. While it used to be cheap and fun to go to the movies, prices have increased because theaters have to pay more for utilities and staff wages. Thus, movies have become much more expensive for many people.
16. Shampoo
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Shampoo prices have been rising slowly because of the higher costs of making and packaging it, and more people want high-end and unique products. What used to be an inexpensive necessity is now a shockingly pricey item. Shampoo brands with extra ingredients and packaging that is better for the environment cost a lot.
17. Jeans
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Jeans used to be cheap, but they’re now very expensive due to the rising cost of labor and materials. The price increase is also due to the popularity of designer and eco-friendly denim brands. A simple pair of jeans costs much more now than ten years ago.
18. Sneakers
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The cost of sneakers has increased significantly because of inflation, brand marketing, and more people wanting limited-edition styles. Shoes are now an expensive fashion item because many brands charge high prices for them. For some, what was once a simple purchase has become a big investment.
19. Fast Food
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Fast food used to be an inexpensive way to get a quick meal, but now that food and labor have increased, it’s much more expensive. Prices have also increased because of healthier menu options and more environmentally friendly food sources. People are now willing to pay more for fast food that is easy to get.
20. Books
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The price of books has increased because production costs, such as paper, printing, and shipping, are rising. The switch to digital formats has also changed the prices of physical books because fewer people are buying them. For many readers, what used to be a cheap hobby now costs more.