13 ‘Normal’ Things From the ’80s and ’90s That Are Considered Luxuries Now
The ’80s and ’90s are known as the years of progression. Technology and culture evolved with each passing year, breaking the boundaries of what was possible.
New technology helped make what was considered a luxury a common thing. Unfortunately, a handful of normal things have also turned into luxuries over time.
This list highlights common practices, things, and products from the ’80s and ’90s considered luxuries in today’s age.
1. Owning Software
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Using premium software meant making a one-time purchase and getting a lifetime’s worth. Software like WinRAR could be used indefinitely after purchase with no recurring fees, even though no one actually buys WinRAR.
Nowadays, owning software is a luxury. Everything from streaming services to digital products requires a subscription. This is a welcome change for businesses but less so for consumers.
2. Owning a Home
Student loans, high interest rates, and towering house prices make purchasing a home inherently difficult. It’s next to impossible for middle-class earners to buy a home without incurring significant debt.
However, it wasn’t always like this. The ’80s and ’90s saw lower prices across the board. It was possible to make a living and save up to purchase a home within a few years.
3. Healthcare
Affordable healthcare was the norm back in the ’80s and ’90s. Health insurance was a common necessity provided by different employers. Administrative costs were rising but still manageable for decent-income households.
In today’s world, healthcare is an extreme luxury. A minor injury means spending thousands of dollars. While technology has revolutionized healthcare, prices have also skyrocketed.
4. Sturdy Household Appliances
Back in the day, buying refrigerators and microwaves meant carefree use for decades. Home appliances rarely broke down and were sturdy enough to withstand loads of damage.
At present, these appliances have smart features built into them, making their use more convenient. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for their quality. Today’s home appliances often break down without so much as a scratch.
5. Wooden Furniture
Handmade wooden furniture was pretty common in the ’80s and ’90s. In fact, it was the ideal furniture of choice and was present in numerous households.
The same furniture costs thousands of dollars today. Businesses upsell wooden furniture with different engravings and brands. Handmade wooden furniture is extremely rare to find.
6. Concert Tickets
Seeing your favorite artist perform live could be as cheap as $12 in the ’80s and ’90s. That price includes the cost of admission and, for some venues, even free snacks.
Buying a ticket today means spending upwards of $80, not accounting for other costs. Famous artists often have their tickets up for presale and get sold out within minutes. Unfortunately, scalpers scoop these tickets up and then sell them for hundreds of dollars to devoted fans.
7. Silk Clothing
Good quality fabrics were common in the clothing industry back in the ’80s and ’80s. Clothes made with these lasted decades and did not cost an arm and a leg.
Nowadays, high-quality fabrics aren’t only difficult to find but also significantly expensive. Silk clothing, in particular, is a rare sight, with some items costing thousands of dollars.
8. Farmers Markets
Buying fresh groceries that lasted the entire week meant spending pennies at a local stall on the road. Farmers markets were the best bang for buck shops for stocking up on groceries.
It’s rare to find these local vendors anywhere today. Instead, consumers must deal with grocery stores charging higher prices and offering lower-quality products.
9. Repairs
Most of the time, an appliance or product breaking down meant simple and affordable repairs. Any skilled mechanic or technician could figure out the problem and fix it immediately.
The same products breaking down now means sometimes spending more than the item’s worth on repairs. People today avoid repairs for their high costs and instead, buy a new product completely for a little more.
10. Yearly Vacations
Gathering up the family and taking a trip out of the country used to be a yearly occurrence. For some families, visiting other countries multiple times a year was also common.
Rising inflation and an uptick in air travel costs have made exploring other cultures nearly impossible. Traveling abroad is only possible for those with a strict budget or the super wealthy.
11. Single-Income Households
Back when prices were manageable, it was possible to survive in single-income households. Everything from groceries, traveling, living expenses, and children was managed by just one breadwinner in the family.
The same can’t be said for today’s world. For many, it’s difficult enough to support yourself on a single income, let alone a family. While living expenses have increased exponentially since the 80s, wages have not.
12. Videogames
Arcades and videogame cartridges weren’t only super fun but inexpensive, too! For a small price, consumers got a full-fledged videogame experience. Even arcade machines only cost a couple of pennies.
Nowadays, the average videogame costs $70, not accounting for high-end hardware. Videogames themselves feature optional purchases that, more often than not, directly impact gameplay.
13. Privacy
Privacy and solitude were given in the ’80s and ’90s. Living a life devoid of excessive social interactions and staying happy was possible. Using a product or service didn’t mean exchanging data for it.
Digital apps and websites use every opportunity to gather your data today. This data is then sold off to advertisers for personalized ads.
