20 Everyday Products That Used to Be Way Cheaper
Inflation has hit these 20 products hard, which made them more expensive than ever before.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Everything seems to cost more these days, but some everyday items have seen shocking price hikes over time. Inflation, supply chain issues, and changing consumer habits have all contributed to skyrocketing costs. Here are 20 common products that used to be far more affordable.
1. Eggs
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Once a budget-friendly staple, egg prices have fluctuated wildly due to supply chain disruptions and bird flu outbreaks. What used to be a cheap protein source has become an unpredictable expense.
2. Gasoline
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Fuel prices used to be a minor concern, but now they swing drastically due to global supply issues and economic instability. What once cost under $2 per gallon now often hovers well above $3 or $4.
3. Movie Tickets
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Watching a film at the theater used to be an affordable night out, but ticket prices have steadily climbed. The cost of IMAX, 3D, and premium seating only adds to the expense.
4. Coffee
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Whether brewing at home or grabbing a cup at a café, coffee prices have surged. Rising labor wages, climate issues affecting coffee beans, and increased demand have all played a role.
5. Fast Food
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Dollar menus have shrunk, combo meals have ballooned in price, and even basic burgers cost more than before. Labor costs, supply chain struggles, and ingredient price hikes have made fast food less of a bargain.
6. Concert Tickets
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Live music used to be an affordable luxury, but ticket prices have skyrocketed thanks to demand, scalping, and excessive service fees. Many major tours now cost hundreds—even thousands—for decent seats.
7. Cereal
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What used to be a budget-friendly breakfast option now carries a premium price tag. Rising grain costs and brand markups have made even generic cereals more expensive.
8. Airfare
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Flying used to be relatively affordable, especially for domestic travel. Now, rising fuel costs, airline fees, and fewer budget carriers have driven prices way up.
9. Rent
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Housing costs have skyrocketed, leaving many struggling to afford even modest apartments. Low supply, high demand, and inflation have turned rent into one of the biggest financial burdens.
10. Used Cars
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Buying a secondhand car was once a smart way to save money, but prices have surged due to supply chain shortages. Some used models now cost nearly as much as new ones.
11. Electricity
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Utility bills keep climbing, with no end in sight. Increased demand, aging infrastructure, and extreme weather events have increased costs. Even with energy-efficient appliances, households are seeing higher power bills.
12. Bread
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A staple food for centuries, bread has steadily risen in price due to wheat shortages and production costs. Even store-brand loaves cost more than they did a few years ago.
13. Smartphones
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Cell phones used to be affordable one-time purchases, but today’s models can cost over $1,000. Even mid-range smartphones have hefty price tags, forcing many to take out expensive financing plans.
14. Stamps
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Mailing a letter used to be a minor expense, but stamp prices have climbed steadily. The cost of sending a simple envelope has nearly doubled over the years.
15. College Tuition
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Higher education has seen some of the steepest price hikes in history. What used to be a manageable expense now leaves many graduates drowning in debt.
16. Prescription Medications
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Many life-saving medications have become significantly more expensive, even with insurance. Drug companies set their own prices, leading to massive markups on essential prescriptions.
17. Hotel Stays
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Once an affordable travel expense, hotel prices have risen due to demand, labor costs, and added fees. Even budget hotels now charge rates that used to be for mid-range stays.
18. Groceries in General
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Beyond just eggs and bread, grocery store prices across the board have surged. Meat, dairy, produce, and even canned goods are significantly more expensive than a few years ago.
19. Insurance
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Premiums for health, car, and home insurance have climbed steadily. Rising healthcare costs, extreme weather events, and increased accident claims contribute to higher rates.
20. Streaming Services
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What started as an affordable alternative to cable has now become just as pricey. Subscription fees keep increasing, and companies are cracking down on password sharing.