Americans have always found creative — and sometimes flat-out strange — ways to flex their social standing. These loud and somewhat absurd symbols are turning heads. Here are 15 of the most unexpected ways Americans flaunt wealth right now.
Chickens in Silicon Valley Aren’t Just Pets
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In tech circles, having backyard chickens is like driving a Tesla in 2012. Their high-end diet includes arugula salads and organic grain, and they wear chicken diapers. In Silicon Valley, a pampered hen laying eggs in a $5,000 coop can signal more clout than a Rolex.
Low-Number License Plates Mean Old Money in New England
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In Massachusetts and Rhode Island, a license plate with just a single digit screams legacy wealth. These plates get passed down like family heirlooms and can sell for over $100,000. The fewer the digits, the higher the street cred, especially among Boston’s Brahmin set.
Scientology Courses as a Luxury Item
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Los Angeles is flooded with high-end wellness routines, but a lesser-known power move among some elites is splashing thousands on Scientology materials. According to Leah Remini’s docuseries, courses, books, and therapy within the church can be extremely expensive. For some Hollywood folks, status means climbing the “Bridge to Total Freedom.”
A Dyson Vacuum That Costs More Than Rent
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Dyson’s $1,000 vacuum–the Gen5outsize–doubles as a tech flex for influencers. With lasers, LCD screens, and app-connected stats, it’s like the Apple Watch of housekeeping. Social media clips showing dust stats and carpet transformations rack up millions of views. Just… don’t spill anything.
$10 Tomatoes in the Hamptons
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High-end grocery stores are selling tomatoes for $10 a pop, and people are paying. Add in $30 berries and $120-per-pound lobster salad, and suddenly a backyard barbecue is running up thousands for basic meals.
Canada Goose Coats in Not-So-Frigid Chicago
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Winter jackets built for the Arctic are a go-to fashion piece in the Windy City. Canada Goose coats, often priced at $1,000 or more, are spotted all over Chicago, even when it’s 40°F. It’s like wearing a billboard that says, “I can afford this.”
Big Families as Status in Manhattan
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Having over two kids in New York City is a power move. Private school tuition can cost up to $60,000 per child, and it’s not uncommon to see Upper East Side parents roll up to school drop-off with four kids in matching Patagonia fleeces.
Waiting in Line Is Cool Now in DC
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In Washington, D.C., skipping the delivery app and choosing to wait in line has somehow become a subtle way to show off. It doesn’t matter if it’s for the latest ramen pop-up or a $17 cocktail, it means they can afford to spend two hours chatting in the cold.
Erewhon Smoothies That Cost as Much as Dinner
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Los Angeles’ Erewhon market redefined what a smoothie can be — and what it can cost. Hailey Bieber’s $18 Strawberry Skin Glaze is just the beginning. Add-ins like sea moss, collagen, and dragon fruit push prices into the $20+ range.
Summer Camps That Could Fund a Semester of College
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Forget bug spray and bunk beds. At elite sleepaway camps, $6,000 a week is just the base rate. They include horseback riding, fencing, and private concerts. Some parents even pay $125 an hour for consultants to pack the perfect trunk.
Luxury Pickup Trucks in Texas
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Texas loves trucks, like the $100,000 Ford F-150 Raptors with leather interiors and full tech packages. They’re dubbed “cowboy Cadillacs” and are often customized to the nines. Owning one says, “I work hard,” even if it’s never seen a construction site or hauled more than groceries.
Martinis with a Side of Caviar
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Martinis have gotten a makeover in upscale bars. In Beverly Hills, Dante serves one for $52, which arrives with a silver tray, caviar, and blini. The drink’s price tag is a way to flaunt that you can drop half a Benjamin on one sip of cold vodka and vermouth.
$540 Moisturizer for Your Nightstand
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Skincare isn’t just self-care anymore — it’s a part of viral video routines. Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream sells for up to $540 and has become the go-to for celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham. Because what’s more luxurious than a face cream with its own fan base?
Secondary Passports for the Wealth-Conscious
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For the ultra-rich, one passport isn’t enough. Some are dropping $200,000 for secondary citizenship in Caribbean countries — and even more for places like Malta. Global firms like Henley & Partners cater to clients wanting options, whether for tax reasons, ease of travel, or simply the ability to say they can.
Protection Dogs That Cost as Much as a Condo
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Montana-based Svalinn breeds protection dogs that can run up to $150,000. They’re elite mixes trained to respond to commands in multiple languages, sniff out danger, and fit seamlessly into a wealthy household. Owning one is the ultimate “I’m rich enough to worry about kidnappers” statement.
