1. Groceries
There’s a disconnect when boomers complain that “you just need to cook at home to save.” Grocery prices have surged, especially since 2020. A dozen eggs cost about 85 cents in 1993; they’ve gone as high as $4 in recent years, according to Mike Winters of CNBC. And staples like bread, milk, and meat have all seen similar spikes.
Boomers may remember shopping with a $20 bill and filling a cart. That’s laughable now when even a modest haul costs upwards of $100. Supply chain issues, climate change, and corporate consolidation have all driven prices up. But those factors don’t usually come up in kitchen-table debates.
2. Movie Tickets
Boomers remember catching a flick for under five bucks, but those days are long gone. In the mid-’90s, an average movie ticket cost around $4.35. Today, depending on where you live, you’re looking at anywhere from $10 to $20, according to Brooks Barnes of The New York Times, and even more for IMAX or recliners. And don’t get started on the popcorn.
The rise of premium theaters and inflation have both jacked up prices. Yet some still balk at modern costs, as if it’s still 1994 and matinees are $3. That disconnect leads to genuine sticker shock when planning a night out. No wonder so many people stream at home now.
3. Postage Stamps
Many boomers still think mailing a letter costs just a quarter. Back in 1993, a first-class stamp was 29 cents, but as of 2025, it’s up to 73 cents, according to Khristopher J. Brooks of CBS News. That’s more than double the price, yet some older folks are still shocked at the post office. The cost increases have mostly been gradual, so it can sneak up on people who don’t send much mail anymore.
This is especially surprising to those who remember when writing letters was common. Now, with email and texting, stamps aren’t exactly top-of-mind. But when you do need one, the price tag can feel like highway robbery. The nostalgia doesn’t match the new reality.
4. Gasoline
Ask a boomer, and they’ll likely remember filling up the tank for under a dollar a gallon. That was true in the early ’90s, when national averages hovered around $1.11. In 2025, prices vary, but they’re often over $3 per gallon, especially in urban areas, according to Shannon Martin of Bankrate. Still, many can’t help but grumble at today’s prices like it’s some new injustice.
Part of the frustration comes from comparing to decades ago without adjusting for inflation. Gas prices have always been volatile, spiking in the 2000s and again in the 2020s. But the myth of “cheap gas” persists, especially in boomer conversations. It’s hard to let go of that muscle memory from the pump.
5. Housing
There’s a common belief among boomers that young people just need to “stop eating out” to afford a house. But the average home price in the U.S. was about $130,000 in 1993. In 2025, that number is closer to $430,000—and much more in metro areas. Wages haven’t kept up, and starter homes are practically a unicorn now.
Boomers often bought when prices were low and interest rates were manageable. They also didn’t face the same competition from investors and limited housing supply. That makes it tough for them to fully grasp why owning a home is out of reach for many. The market has completely changed, even if their perspective hasn’t.
6. College Tuition
Boomers love to say they worked part-time to pay for college—and many actually could. In 1993, average in-state tuition at a public university was about $2,650 per year. Now, it’s over $10,000 on average, not including room, board, and fees. Even inflation doesn’t explain that massive jump.
Part of the change comes from reduced public funding and ballooning administrative costs. Today’s students often take on significant debt just to get a bachelor’s degree. But boomers still frame it as a simple budgeting issue, not an economic shift. That leads to some serious generational misunderstandings.
7. Coffee
The classic boomer line: “You’re broke because you spend $5 on coffee.” But in 1993, even fancy coffee was nowhere near today’s prices. A regular cup was about 75 cents, while now a basic latte runs you $4–$6 at a café. That’s a significant leap, even adjusting for inflation.
Sure, coffee’s gotten fancier, but not everyone’s sipping oat milk flat whites. Many people just want a caffeine fix without having to brew it themselves. And if you’re in a city, convenience comes at a steep price. Yet the older generation still treats expensive coffee as a personal failing.
8. Cars
Buying a new car for under $10,000 used to be common. In 1993, the average new car price was about $12,750. In 2025, it’s well over $47,000—and even used cars can break $25,000. Yet many boomers still think you can just go get a “cheap reliable car” off the lot.
Cars today are more tech-heavy and subject to global supply chains, which impacts costs. Plus, the pandemic created a massive backlog that inflated prices further. The days of buying a beater and driving it forever are slipping away. But the expectations haven’t caught up with the reality.
9. Health Insurance
Health insurance used to be cheaper and more employer-supported. In 1993, annual premiums for family coverage were about $4,000. As of 2025, that number is closer to $24,000, with workers covering nearly a third of it out of pocket. Boomers who had full coverage through jobs often don’t see the shift.
Today’s workforce faces high deductibles and rising premiums, even with employer plans. The Affordable Care Act helped some, but didn’t fix the core pricing issue. Many younger people avoid medical care entirely due to cost. That’s a far cry from the system boomers knew.
10. Rent
Rents have skyrocketed, especially in cities, but even small towns aren’t spared. In 1993, average monthly rent in the U.S. was around $500. In 2025, it’s closer to $1,800 nationally, and easily double that in high-demand areas. But boomers often think it’s still possible to find a “nice place for $700.”
The rental market has been hit by stagnant wages, housing shortages, and investor ownership. That makes it brutally hard for younger generations to save or plan long-term. But when boomers hear those numbers, they assume it’s an exaggeration. It’s not—they’ve just been out of the market too long.
11. Air Travel
There’s a romanticized idea that flying used to be expensive, but in the ’90s, airfare was relatively affordable. You could snag a round-trip domestic flight for under $200 in many cases. Now, thanks to fees, fuel surcharges, and shrinking seat space, it’s often double that or more. And that’s before you check a bag or get a snack.
Boomers may not notice the added costs because they fly less frequently or stick to familiar routes. But budget airlines and “basic economy” have changed the game. What looks cheap on the surface often comes with hidden fees. Flying hasn’t been a bargain for a while, despite what people think.
12. Fast Food
Remember when a burger and fries cost less than $3? Boomers sure do, and many are shocked at today’s drive-thru prices. A Big Mac meal in the early ’90s was about $3.50; now it’s closer to $10 in many places. And that’s without any fancy upgrades or extras.
Fast food was once the budget-friendly option, but not anymore. Rising labor costs, food prices, and corporate profit margins have all played a role. It’s still faster than cooking, but not necessarily cheaper. That’s a major shift from the “cheap eats” image many boomers still hold.
13. Clothes
Boomers love to say you don’t need to spend much to dress well. And while that was true in the ’90s, clothing prices have bifurcated—either ultra-cheap fast fashion or pricey ethical brands. A decent pair of jeans cost about $30 back then; now, quality ones are often $80+. Meanwhile, the cheap stuff doesn’t last.
The idea of “buy once, wear forever” doesn’t hold up when fast fashion dominates. Plus, the expectation to keep up with trends has grown thanks to social media. That makes clothing both more disposable and more expensive. Boomers often miss how much that landscape has shifted.
