15 Things That Are Getting Ridiculously More Expensive for Everyone
There’s no doubt about it: the cost of living has increased dramatically over a short period of time. With inflation, the state of our country, and COVID-19, we’re paying way more now than we ever have. Your lifestyle may influence where your money is going, but these 15 things are getting more expensive for everyone.
1. Rent
Image Credit: monkeybusiness/Depositphotos.com.
Despite the lack of wage increases, rent prices continue to climb yearly across the country, making it hard to afford even the most modest living quarters. And don’t forget you’re also paying for pet rent, parking rent, and utilities.
2. Groceries
Image Credit: Vadymvdrobot/Depositphotos.com.
The cost of groceries has gradually increased over time, thanks to inflation. But grocery prices spiked thanks to the pandemic, and the prices continue to rise. Even budget-friendly stores put a dent in your wallet these days.
3. Health Insurance
Image Credit: outline205/Depositphotos.com.
To say there’s a health crisis happening in the U.S. would be an understatement. Unfortunately, many people go without health insurance because they simply can’t afford the premium prices.
4. College Tuition
Image Credit: ArturVerkhovetskiy/Depositphotos.com.
If you’re not a trust fund baby, your parents better start saving for college tuition the moment you’re born. In-state schools are the most affordable, but private colleges? Ivy Leagues? Say hello to student loans and debt, you’ll never pay off.
5. Cable Television
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Remember back in the old days when you could get all the basic channels with bunny-ear antennas? Now you have to pay for, well, everything! Even if you only want five channels, you still have to pay for all 625 channels.
6. Gas
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Another industry that was affected by the pandemic was the oil and gas industry. Some states with the highest gas prices still pay well over $5.00 per gallon—for regular gas!
7. Concerts
Image Credit: nd3000/Depositphotos.com.
Unless you want to sit in the nosebleeds to see your favorite band, you must dish out some Benjamins for a good seat. Unlike my dad, who paid no more than $15 to see some of the greatest bands in the 70s, today’s generation is forking over hundreds of dollars for one concert.
8. Fast Food
Image Credit: ArturVerkhovetskiy/Depositphotos.com.
Gone are the days of dollar menus. These days, you’re more likely to pay close to $20 for a meal and drinks for two people. Sure, the food may still be fast, but not budget-friendly.
9. Electronics
Image Credit: ArturVerkhovetskiy/Depositphotos.com.
Technology advancements are significant and can make life easier. But they come with a price. Smart TVs, cellphones, smartwatches, and computers have become a serious investment.
10. Child Care
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Our parents most likely got away with free daycare services thanks to Grandma and Grandpa. Nowadays, young parents live farther away from family, meaning daycare is necessary. Unfortunately, childcare costs increased by a whopping 41% during the pandemic—yikes!
11. Mattresses
Image Credit: StudioLightAndShade/Depositphotos.com.
Now, depending on your preference, you may still find mattresses that only cost you a couple hundred bucks. But by and large, you’re looking to spend nearly $1,000 for a full-sized (or larger) mattress. And they only last a few years before you need to replace them, right?
12. Air Travel
Image Credit: kasto/Depositphotos.com.
Plane tickets are expensive, plain and simple. This may be due to the price hike of gasoline, but this may also be due to the hit the travel industry took during the pandemic. Unless you’re traveling close to home, expect to pay a pretty penny for your ticket.
13. Household Appliances
Image Credit: Vadymvdrobot/Depositphotos.com.
Once upon a time, washers, dryers, ovens, and refrigerators were built to last. They’d usually last multiple generations in one family. Nowadays, your appliances last half the time and cost about five times more.
14. Candy Bars
Image Credit: HayDmitriy/Depositphotos.com.
You probably haven’t noticed this, but candy bars have gotten significantly more expensive—and significantly smaller. Our grandparents can’t call them “penny candy” anymore. They’re more like $2.25 candy.
15. Night Life
Image Credit: vadimphoto1@gmail.com/Depositphotos.com
If you frequent bars or nightclubs in the city, you’ve probably noticed that one drink can cost you well over $20 or $30. You’re better off buying the ingredients to make at home. At least you’ll have extra for more than one night of cocktails.
15 Best Places in America That Do Halloween Tourism “Right”
Image Credit: demerzel21/Depositphotos.com.
Are you looking to do a bit of traveling this Halloween season but need help knowing where to go? We’ve looked at some of the best and scariest attractions and events to get your “fright on” this Halloween.
Whether you’re into parades, costume contests, or haunted houses, the U.S. has spooky spots to enjoy All Hallow’s Eve.
15 Best Places in America That Do Halloween Tourism “Right”
12 True Ghost Stories From People Who Work Around Death
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Those who work in healthcare and other death-related professions witness some of the most intense points in people’s lives. But there are also eerie encounters that are less heard of. These interactions are beyond the ordinary or the explained.
The following stories are from workers who deal with death daily. What’s your take on the experiences shared within these tales?
12 True Ghost Stories From People Who Work Around Death
15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences
Image Credit: coffeekai/Depositphotos.com.
There’s something about the vibrance of street food, the richness in flavor, and the rawness of surrounding cultural scenes. Not only is street food more affordable for travelers, but it grants a more authentic experience since this is where natives also gather and convene.
With that said, here are 15 countries serving up the best street food experiences, as voted on by an online foodie forum.
15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences
“I Love It Here!” 20 Best Small Towns in America for Your Bucket List
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Are you seeking a respite from the busy and noisy urban lifestyle? Look no further than America’s small towns. From the quaint and charming to the downright quirky, small towns across the country offer unique experiences and attractions. Here are 20 of America’s most famous. Where are you going next?
“I Love It Here!” 20 Best Small Towns in America for Your Bucket List
15 Bucket List Hot Spots To See the Northern Lights Starting in September
Image Credit: surangastock/Depositphotos.com.
One of the most enchanting natural phenomena in the Northern Hemisphere is the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. On the proper night, with perfect weather conditions and peak solar activity, you can see the stunning lights that paint the night sky. Here are some of the best places to view the Northern Lights.
15 Bucket List Hot Spots To See the Northern Lights Starting in September
