The 1980s were packed with mixtapes, weekend mall trips, and surprisingly low price tags. A few decades later, many of those everyday staples come with eye-popping costs and extra fees. This list looks at all the things that were once affordable but now feel like luxury splurges.
College Tuition
In the ‘80s, you could pay for a year of college with a part-time job and still have cash left for snacks. Public tuition averaged around $738 per year. Since then, tuition fees have taken a hike across many universities, and students are staring down over $10,000 annually at public colleges—before room and board.
Starter Homes
Starter homes used to mean just that: a simple, affordable place to begin adult life. In the ‘80s, the median home price hovered around $47,000. The dream of owning a modest first home has been priced out of reality for millions of would-be homeowners.
Car Insurance
Driving used to come with a sense of freedom. The average annual premium was around $300. That seems pretty low, considering the existing price that’s north of $2,000 in many states. Add in skyrocketing repair costs, new driver tech, and insurer rate hikes, and it’s easy to see why younger drivers are crying foul.
Concert Tickets
Seeing Prince, Springsteen, or Madonna live used to cost about the same as a movie trip and a burger. In 1985, the average concert ticket ran about $15. Fans used to follow bands on tour; luckily, they can still afford to stream from home and wince at the Ticketmaster screen.
Movie Tickets
Many of us remember visiting the movie theatre with a five-dollar bill and a change for snacks. A standard movie ticket in the early ‘80s cost around $2.50. A 218% increase over nearly four decades means many people are sticking to the couch with home projectors and microwave popcorn.
Theme Park Admission
What used to be a spontaneous summer treat has turned into a once-a-decade splurge. Parents now have spreadsheets to budget for theme park vacations while kids walk around with $40 churros. The rides may be smoother and the fireworks bigger, but the price climbed out of reach for many.
Walkman and Cassette Tapes
A decent Sony model sold for under $100; tapes were pocket-change entertainment. Try replicating that today, and you’ll be paying collector prices. Streaming might be more convenient, but it doesn’t carry the same vibe.
Airfare
Roundtrip domestic flights averaged $150, which usually came with luggage, meals, and no seat-selection ransom. This is among the many air travel changes that have hit people pretty hard. Modern airlines have crazy prices, and even budget airlines tack on fees for breathing. Low-cost flights aren’t extinct, but they’ve become harder to spot and more unpredictable with inflation and travel chaos.
Cable TV
There was a time when paying for TV usually involved one thing: cable. Around $15–$20 monthly could get you dozens of channels. Ironically, we have more choices with new TVs—but also more bills. Scrolling through endless menus doesn’t feel nearly as satisfying as watching a scheduled movie night with the family.
Vinyl Records
Vinyl was actually on its way out, priced to move at music stores and garage sales. In recent times, however, we’ve seen it return and become more expensive. New records often retail for $30–$40, and vintage pressings fetch triple digits if in good shape. Vinyl has become a lifestyle choice with boutique pricing.
Video Game Consoles
Getting your hands on a Nintendo Entertainment System would cost you around $100, games included. Nobody guessed that it would evolve into a financial commitment with microtransactions and paywalled features and that consoles would come at $500+ just for the box. Even retro consoles have skyrocketed in resale value thanks to nostalgia-driven demand.
Camping Gear
Over the years, camping has turned into a style statement instead of a cheap getaway. There are high-tech tents, solar-powered gear, and ultralight everything that have transformed the once-affordable hobby into a wallet-sapping ordeal. A family-sized tent alone can cost over $400! Nature’s still free, sure—but try telling that to anyone checking out at an outdoor gear store.
School Supplies
School prep decades ago had charm and a manageable bill, but reports show that new parents are spending around $700 per child on back-to-school shopping. That includes headphones, calculators, tech accessories, and brand-name everything.
Swimming Resorts
A day at the local swimming resort came with minimal entry fees and maximum fun. Families packed lunches, grabbed pool toys, and made memories for under $20 in total. Water parks and resort-style pools have since started charging premium admission—$50 per person isn’t unusual.
Gasoline
Gas has flirted with $4 and beyond in many states. Even with short-term drops, the long-term trend is clear: fuel eats a much bigger chunk of the budget. Global conflicts, supply chain issues, and inflation all play a role.