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"15 Things That Are Becoming Less
Affordable For Middle Class"
By Epic Economist
"The cost of living in the United States has skyrocketed over the past few decades, putting a strain on the wallets of many Americans. Middle-class Americans, in particular, have been hard hit by stagnant wages, rising everyday expenses, as well as soaring health care and education costs. Many services that used to be a part of middle-class life are no longer affordable for our population, and many things that used to make our life easier and more enjoyable are now out of our reach.
For example, middle-class Americans would occasionally hire babysitters or housekeepers. In that way, they could enjoy their family time without being overwhelmed by household chores. But over the years, these services became way too expensive for this group, and that can be mainly attributed to stagnant wages. According to data from Care.com, the average cost of hiring a full-time nanny in the United States in 2022 was $16.50 per hour, and the average cost of hiring a full-time housekeeper was $18.50 per hour. At the same time, the median hourly wage of a middle-income worker is $23. In some states, that sum can go up $28.42, but still, with rising costs for housing, energy, food, gas, and pretty much everything we consume on a daily basis, they don't have much money left after paying their bills every month so that they can spend on the little things that make their lives a little bit easier.
Do you remember when our parents and grandparents would give us a few dollars to do the lawn? Those times don't come back. In the 2000s, middle-class families would spend about $20 on gardening and lawn care services. In 2023, however, homeowners are paying around $150 per visit. This cost typically includes mowing, edging, and trimming, as well as debris removal and basic fertilization and weed control. Additional services, such as aeration, seeding, and pest control, cost some extra. Almost a century ago, having a garden was something that saved our ancestors during the Great Depression, but that has become a luxury for the vast majority of us, not only because of the price to maintain it but also because of our lack of time to take care of it.
Eating healthy and consuming organic foods can be extremely beneficial for our bodies given that these products contain higher levels of nutrients and antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. However, organic produce tends to be more expensive than conventionally grown produce, with some studies suggesting that organic produce can cost up to 50% more. Simultaneously, over 47% of middle-class Americans say they are struggling to keep up with rising prices of conventional foods, according to Pew Research Center data. So purchasing pesticide and chemicals-free foods is getting harder and harder for our average workers.
Life for middle-class Americans is turning increasingly gray as we lose access to the things that enable us to live fully and comfortably. Our burdens are getting bigger and our quality of life is getting lower. That’s what a broken society looks like. We are the ones who make this country run, and we surely deserve to be treated better. In today's video, we compiled products and services that have gotten way too expensive over time."
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