Boomers grew up in a time when certain luxuries were just a normal part of life. We’re talking about everyday things that now seem completely out of reach for Millennials and Gen Z. From cheap real estate to airline tickets that didn’t cost a paycheck (and you got leg room), here are nine things Boomers had that younger generations will likely never be able to afford.
1. A College Degree Without Crippling Debt
In 1970, the annual tuition at a public university was around $394 ($3,000 in 2025 money). Now, the average in-state tuition at a public college is over $10,000. College was once a much more reasonable expense without having to take on student loans that take decades to pay off.
2. A New Car That Was Actually Affordable
In 1970, a brand-new car cost around $3,500 ($27,000 in 2025 money). Now, the average new car price has skyrocketed to over $48,000. It was once a realistic goal for young adults to buy a new car, but now it often requires taking on long-term debt.
3. Affordable Health Insurance
In 1970, the average family health insurance premium was around $435 per year ($3,200 in today’s money). Now, the average family premium is over $24,000 per year. Not to mention that medical costs have skyrocketed, making healthcare unaffordable for many, even if they’re insured.
4. A Mortgage on a Single Income
In the 1980s, the median home price in the U.S. was $47,200 ($170,000 adjusted for inflation). In 2025, the median home price is $400,000, and wages are failing to keep up. Boomers could buy a home on one salary, but todayy, even dual-income households struggle to achieve homeownership.
5. Jobs With Pensions
Many jobs used to come with guaranteed pensions that ensured retirees had steady income for life. Now, most workers rely on 401(k) plans subject to stock market fluctuations, making retirement far less secure. It’s more common that Boomers could count on retirement, but younger generations must hope they’ve saved enough.
6. Dirt-Cheap Rent
In 1980, the media U.S. rent was $243 per month ($900 in today’s money). The median rent today is over $2,000 per month in many cities. Rent used to be a fraction of a paycheck, whereas now it consumes entire salaries.
7. The Ability to Raise a Family on One Parent’s Salary
It used to be common for one parent to stay home while the other’s salary covered all of the expenses. Now, most households need two full-time incomes, and even that is often not enough. Living on one income was once the norm, but now it’s nearly impossible.
8. Cheap Airfare (With Legroom)
In 1979, a round-trip domestic flight cost around $140 ($570 today). That same flight today would cost over $800, and that doesn’t include all of the fees. Flying used to be affordable and much more comfortable.
9. Credit Cards Without Excessively High Interest Rates
In the 1980s, the average credit card APR was around 12%, compared to the average APR today of over 20%, with some cards charging 30% or more. Borrowing has become much more expensive, making debt a lifelong burden for many.
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