12 Things That Used to Be Cheap (But Now Feel Outrageous)

Prices keep rising, but some everyday items now feel way too expensive. Inflation, supply issues, and company markups have pushed costs higher. Many products and services that once felt like bargains don’t feel worth the price anymore. Here are twelve things that used to be affordable but no longer are.

Fast Food Meals

Grabbing a quick meal used to be an easy, low-cost option. Now, even basic combo meals often run more than $10. Fast food prices have climbed so much that many customers are starting to push back. Some are choosing to cook at home instead of paying higher prices.

Basic Grocery Staples

Items like bread, eggs, and milk were once low-cost staples. These days, many of them carry premium price tags, even when buying store brands. A simple grocery run that used to cost $30 can now easily double without warning.

Movie Tickets

Going to the movies used to be an affordable night out. But with ticket prices creeping above $15 in many areas, and snacks costing just as much, it now feels like a luxury. Streaming from home has become the more budget-friendly choice for many families.

Breakfast Cereal

Once considered a cheap breakfast, cereal now comes with sticker shock. Many boxes hover around $5–$7, and some of the most popular brands are even higher. Shrinkflation has made it worse, with less product inside than ever.

Public Parking

Street parking and garages used to cost a few quarters or a couple of bucks. Now, it’s not uncommon to see rates over $20 for a short stay in urban areas. And if you’re in a tourist spot or airport lot, expect to pay even more.

Takeout Coffee

A regular coffee run used to be a $2 habit. Now, many people are shelling out $6–$8 for a drink that used to cost half as much. With inflation and rising overhead, even simple coffee orders feel inflated.

School Supplies

Notebooks, glue sticks, and pencils used to be cheap dollar-store staples. Now, back-to-school shopping costs feel more like holiday spending. Parents are shelling out hundreds just to get their kids ready for class.

Haircuts

A basic haircut at a chain salon or barber used to be around $10–$15. Now, it’s often double that, or more, with prices climbing even in rural towns. Add in a tip, and you’re nearing $40 for a trim.

Renters Insurance

It used to be a cheap add-on to protect your belongings…sometimes less than $10 a month. But rates have climbed steadily, especially in cities with high theft or weather risks. Some renters are now paying nearly double what they were five years ago.

Streaming Subscriptions

Streaming was supposed to be cheaper than cable. But with multiple subscriptions and rising fees, many households are now paying the same (or even more) than they did for traditional TV. Some are starting to cut back by canceling services they use the least.

Over-the-Counter Meds

Common cold medicine, allergy pills, and pain relievers used to be cheap grocery-store staples. These days, prices have quietly surged, especially for brand-name products. Many shoppers now opt for generics or wait for sales to restock.

Ice Cream

Yes, even dessert isn’t safe. A pint of name-brand ice cream can now hit $6 or more, depending on where you shop. What used to be a cheap treat has become a once-in-a-while splurge for many families.

The Bigger Picture

Prices have majorly shifted fast, and it’s catching people off guard. Big expenses are tough enough, but even small costs now feel heavier than they used to. Noticing where that extra money goes is the first step toward adjusting your budget and saving more.

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