Inflation has sent prices soaring in recent years, leaving many Americans to make difficult choices. From daily groceries to entertainment, rising prices are changing priorities. Here are 15 items that have become so expensive that people are saying no to them and choosing alternative options.
Homes
Many people are losing their dream of owning a home due to rising interest rates and home prices. The median home sale price reached $396,900 in January 2025—a 4.8% increase from the previous year—and affordability continues to dwindle. In response to high home prices, people are choosing to rent, relocate to budget-friendly locations, or opt for smaller spaces.
Cars
New car prices averaged $48,641 in March 2025 and have stayed near record highs since 2022. Many Americans are rethinking their transportation choices.
Instead of buying new cars, people are maintaining their current vehicles to make them last longer. Others are searching for affordable options in the used car market. It’s a practical way to handle rising costs.
Concert Tickets
Concert tickets have become expensive, often exceeding $300 for big-name artists like Coldplay and Beyonce. This steep rise has led to a drop in ticket sales for major events, as people choose to stay away.
They are opting for smaller venues and local performances, as they are cost-effective and offer an intimate way to enjoy live music.
Fresh Produce
The rising costs of fresh produce have become a huge concern for shoppers. Fresh produce prices have jumped due to extreme weather, labor shortages, and import tariffs. Nearly 60% of fruits and 40% of vegetables come from abroad, so they are also affected by import tariffs. Prices of berries, avocados, and potatoes are significantly impacted by tariffs.
People are turning to frozen produce to deal with the high prices of fresh produce. Some are even choosing to grow their own fruits and vegetables.
Dining Out
With rising inflation, dining out has become a rare treat for many. Restaurant prices have climbed so high that even those who can afford them question their value.
As dining-out prices are expected to rise another 3.7%, many families are turning to home cooking, planning meals carefully to reduce waste, and getting the most out of their grocery budget. Dining out is becoming a luxury, while home kitchens are busier than ever.
Streaming Services
Since streaming service prices are climbing by 10-15%, many Americans are reevaluating their entertainment budgets. Roughly 25% have canceled at least one subscription, turning to free, ad-supported platforms or sharing accounts to cut costs.
Some households rotate subscriptions throughout the year, while others explore local libraries for affordable access to movies and TV shows. The goal is to balance enjoyment with financial responsibility.
Travel
Airfare rose 8% in December last year, while hotel costs increased by 2%, making travel less affordable for many Americans. As a result, many cut down on non-essential travel.
Due to these rising costs, nearly 44% have skipped summer vacations this year. Instead, they are choosing staycations, exploring nearby attractions, or taking road trips. Off-season travel and package deals are popular with people looking to save on longer getaways.
Gym Membership
As inflation strains household budgets, many are reevaluating the cost of their gym memberships. Around 41% of former members cite expense as the main reason for canceling their subscriptions.
Instead, people are opting for free YouTube workouts, home yoga sessions, or affordable fitness apps. These alternatives provide a budget-friendly way to stay active without breaking the bank.
Gas
Gas prices have reached record highs, with California leading at $4.92 per gallon, followed by Hawaii at $4.52 and Washington at $4.30. This surge, driven by global tensions, oil shortages, and reduced production, is pushing people to rethink their driving habits.
Carpooling, public transportation, and cycling are becoming popular ways to save money during this challenging time.
Smartphones
Smartphone prices have surged dramatically, with flagship models averaging around $1,200—up 15% compared to previous years. Inflation has pushed many Americans to delay upgrades and stick with older devices.
Trade-in programs and extended warranties are gaining popularity, while mid-range models offer a budget-friendly alternative with comparable features. Practicality is taking precedence over the allure of the latest smartphone model.
Luxury Fashion
Luxury fashion prices have risen by 25% since 2019. Designer items are now out of reach for many. So, consumers are turning to thrift stores and resale platforms like Poshmark. Secondhand apparel sales hit $43 billion in 2023 and could reach $73 billion by 2028. Many fashionistas are now choosing minimalist wardrobes or upcycling clothes to save money and embrace sustainability.
Coffee
Arabica coffee prices have more than doubled in the past year, reaching over $4 per pound on commodity markets. This has made many rethink their caffeine habit. Millennials are also cutting back on coffee shop visits. Instead, homemade cold brews and budget-friendly French presses are becoming the go-to options for morning routines as people adjust to inflation.
Appliances
Inflation has also hit household appliances, with prices rising substantially due to supply chain issues and raw material shortages. Consumers are now delaying replacements and opting for repairs, boosting the appliance repair industry.
When replacements are unavoidable, they turn to energy-efficient models for long-term savings or explore secondhand and scratch-and-dent options to keep costs manageable.
Name-Brand Snacks
Name-brand snacks have become a luxury, with prices for chips climbing 29%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many families are switching to store-brand alternatives, which 7 out of 10 shoppers find as good or better. With name-brand chips exceeding five dollars, this shift helps save money—and may even lead to healthier choices in the long run.
Bottled Water
Bottled water costs, averaging $1.98 per bottle, are driving many Americans to switch to refillable containers. A survey shows that 60% of households now use reusable bottles, saving around $308.88 annually while helping the environment.
Sustainability is on the rise, with 85% of people adopting more eco-friendly habits in the past five years, according to the Simon Kucher Report.
