10 Things the Middle Class Won’t Be Able To Afford in Less Than a Decade

The financial landscape is shifting fast, and the middle class is feeling the squeeze. From housing to healthcare, costs are rising faster than incomes, making it harder to maintain what used to be considered a stable lifestyle. If current trends continue, these ten goods and services could slip out of reach for the average American household within the next decade.

1. Homeownership

Owning a home is slipping further away for many middle-class families. As of early 2025, the median U.S. home price has climbed to nearly $420,000, pricing out buyers earning under $75,000 a year. Just a few years ago, around half of listed homes were within reach of that income bracket. Now, it’s closer to one in five, thanks to rising mortgage rates and a persistent inventory shortage. CBS News

2. Four-Year College Degrees

The cost of college continues to balloon. An in-state public university student living on campus now faces an average bill of over $38,000 a year. That’s more than $150,000 for a four-year degree, pushing more families to rely on student loans—and extending the financial burden decades into adulthood. U.S. News

3. Healthcare

Health insurance premiums for families reached nearly $24,000 per year in 2023, with costs projected to keep rising. That figure doesn’t include out-of-pocket costs, co-pays, or prescription expenses. Without employer-sponsored coverage, middle-class families are often left choosing between affordability and access. KFF

4. Dental Care

Routine dental care is becoming increasingly out of reach. In 2022, over one-third of Americans delayed or skipped dental visits because of cost. What starts as minor neglect can quickly snowball into serious—and expensive—oral health issues. Forbes

5. Childcare

Childcare costs are crushing for working parents. On average, families pay between $1,000 and $1,500 per month per child, depending on the state. With limited subsidies and growing demand, many households are stuck choosing between careers and care. Pew Research

6. Retirement

Planning for retirement is harder than ever. Rising living costs and uneven wage growth are making it tough for middle-class workers to consistently contribute to 401(k)s or IRAs. As a result, many are looking at delayed retirement—or drastically lowered expectations. Bankrate

7. High-Speed Internet and Streaming

Digital costs are creeping up. Between broadband bills and streaming platforms, the average household now spends close to $275 a month on online subscriptions—up sharply from $199 just five years ago. It’s becoming a stealth drain on monthly budgets. CNBC

8. New Vehicles

The average new car price is now over $47,000, with financing costs pushing monthly payments into the $700 range. Insurance, registration, and maintenance add even more. For many, buying new just isn’t feasible anymore, leading to a surge in demand for used cars. Edmunds

9. Vacations

Family travel is increasingly a luxury. Airfare, hotel rates, and dining costs have all surged post-pandemic. What used to be a yearly getaway is now being replaced by short staycations or skipped altogether due to rising expenses. Washington Post

10. Emergency Savings

A surprising number of middle-class households are one unexpected bill away from financial trouble. A 2024 survey showed that nearly half of Americans don’t have $500 saved for emergencies. Without a cushion, even minor disruptions can lead to major setbacks. New York Post

These trends are a wake-up call. While the middle class has long been a symbol of stability, affordability gaps are widening. Building long-term resilience now means getting more intentional—about spending, saving, and investing—before these everyday essentials become luxuries.