1. Owning a Car
Owning a car used to signal economic independence—a way to get to work, take road trips, or drive your kids to soccer practice. It was a staple of middle-class life, especially in car-centric places like the U.S. But today, even used car prices are sky-high, and monthly payments have become a serious burden for many, according to Jordan Weissmann of The Atlantic. Maintenance, insurance, and gas add layers of cost that stretch budgets thin.
People are increasingly turning to rideshares, public transit, or going car-free altogether—not always by choice. Car ownership is no longer a given; for many, it’s a calculated decision or outright unattainable. Leasing, financing for 7+ years, or holding onto older cars are now the norm. What used to mean “I’ve made it” now often just means “I’m in debt.”
2. Owning a House with a Yard
Once upon a time, owning a modest single-family home with a yard was the gold standard of middle-class stability. It symbolized not just financial security but also a certain level of freedom and personal space. In the post-war boom, especially in the 1950s and ’60s, a house in the suburbs was both affordable and expected for many middle-class families. Fast forward to now, and that same house often requires dual incomes, generational wealth, or just plain luck.
Soaring home prices, stagnant wages, and housing shortages have made this dream more elusive than ever, according to Jing Feng and Christine Romans of NBC News. In cities like San Francisco or New York, even small homes regularly list for seven figures. Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly priced out, even with steady jobs and college degrees. What was once a symbol of having “made it” is now borderline aspirational.
3. One Parent Staying Home
There was a time when a single income could comfortably support a household, and one parent—often the mother—could afford to stay home with the kids. It was a defining feature of middle-class life in mid-20th century America. Today, that setup is the exception, not the norm, and often requires either a very high-earning partner or significant sacrifices. For most families, both parents working is a financial necessity, not a lifestyle choice, according to Elliot Haspel of The Atlantic.
The cost of living, especially housing, childcare, and healthcare, has outpaced wage growth. Even with two incomes, many families still struggle to save or get ahead. The notion that a single income can support a family feels almost like a relic. What was once a middle-class standard now feels like a luxury.
4. A College Degree
A four-year college degree used to be a reliable ticket to a comfortable, middle-class life. It generally meant job security, upward mobility, and access to benefits like healthcare and retirement savings. But in 2025, the return on investment isn’t so clear-cut, according to Kerry Healy of CNBC. A degree is no longer a guarantee—it’s often just the minimum requirement for entry-level jobs.
Meanwhile, student debt has exploded, saddling graduates with loans that eat into their income for decades. Many well-paying jobs don’t even require a degree, and skilled trades are experiencing a resurgence for good reason. The middle class hasn’t caught up with the idea that college isn’t the only path to security. What was once a surefire ladder up is now just one of many uncertain steps.
5. Having Just One Job
Holding down one full-time job used to mean you were financially solid, or at least stable. It was the backbone of the middle class—show up, work hard, collect a paycheck, and enjoy your weekends. Today, millions of people have side hustles, gig work, or second jobs just to stay afloat. The single job no longer stretches as far as it used to, according to Gene Marks of The Guardian.
Wages have failed to keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of essentials. From rideshare driving to freelance gigs, the “side hustle” isn’t just for extra cash anymore—it’s how people pay the bills. Even professionals in tech, education, and healthcare are supplementing income in creative ways. What used to be a symbol of stability now often means you’re barely getting by.
6. Flying on a Plane
Air travel used to be a mark of having disposable income and a touch of luxury. Boarding a flight, dressing up a bit, and enjoying the peanuts was something special—and often reserved for the middle and upper classes. Now, it’s more accessible but significantly less glamorous. Budget airlines, fees for everything, and packed cabins have turned flying into a chore.
The barrier to entry for air travel is lower than ever, but so is the overall experience. You don’t have to be middle class to catch a cheap flight—just strategic with credit card points and deal sites. It’s no longer a signifier of financial health, but more about timing and flexibility. The skies are open to all, and that exclusivity has long since vanished.
7. Going to the Doctor Regularly
Regular medical checkups were once a sign that you had a decent job with good health insurance—classic middle-class stuff. Preventive care was encouraged, accessible, and affordable under most employer-sponsored plans. These days, even insured people hesitate to see a doctor due to high deductibles, co-pays, and surprise bills. Healthcare is technically there, but practically out of reach for many.
The rise of high-deductible plans has made people weigh the cost of care more heavily than they should. Even basic services can feel out of budget, especially for families. Medical debt is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the U.S., which shouldn’t be the case for a so-called middle-class household. Routine care, once a basic expectation, now feels like a luxury.
8. Shopping at the Mall
Malls used to be a middle-class playground—JCPenney, Sears, the food court, and a new pair of shoes before school started. It was part shopping, part entertainment, and all tied to a sense of community and stability. Now, malls are either ghost towns or luxury hubs catering to the wealthy. The middle class has largely migrated to online shopping or discount retailers.
The rise of e-commerce, paired with economic downturns, gutted the traditional mall model. People are more budget-conscious, and mall brands haven’t kept up with changing needs. It’s hard to justify $70 jeans when there are cheaper options a click away. What used to be a weekend outing now feels like a relic of a different era.
9. Having a Landline
Owning a home phone was once a must for every middle-class household. It was how you stayed in touch, fielded job offers, and called Grandma. These days, landlines are nearly extinct, and keeping one feels more like a holdover than a necessity. Most people use cell phones exclusively, and many younger adults have never had a landline at all.
Cutting the landline is often one of the first budget trims in a modern household. It’s not just about cost—it’s about convenience, mobility, and technological redundancy. Middle-class identity has shifted from stability and permanence to flexibility and multitasking. The landline’s quiet disappearance reflects that broader transformation.
10. Taking Annual Vacations
The classic summer vacation—beach trip, national park, or Disney World—was a cherished middle-class tradition. Families would save up, pack the car, and make memories together once a year. Now, many can’t afford to take time off, let alone pay for a full-fledged vacation. Travel has become more expensive, and time off less guaranteed.
Gig work and unstable employment often mean no paid vacation days. Even salaried workers struggle to justify the cost when inflation eats away at their savings. Staycations and weekend getaways have become the norm for many. The idea of a week-long trip every year now feels like something the upper class enjoys, not the average worker.
11. Having a Pension
A pension used to be the crown jewel of a middle-class job—steady, secure, and a promise that retirement would be okay. Teachers, factory workers, and government employees often retired with enough to live on. Today, pensions are rare outside the public sector, replaced by 401(k)s and other individual plans. That shift has transferred the risk and burden of retirement planning to the worker.
401(k)s depend on market performance, personal contribution, and financial literacy—not exactly a foolproof formula. Many people don’t or can’t contribute enough to retire comfortably. What was once guaranteed is now speculative at best. Retirement has gone from a right to a personal finance puzzle few can solve.
12. Cable TV
Remember when having 100+ channels meant you were doing alright? Cable used to be the hallmark of a comfortable home—a monthly luxury many gladly paid for. But now, it’s often considered overpriced and unnecessary. Streaming services offer more flexibility, less cost (at least individually), and better content.
Many have “cut the cord” entirely, opting for bundles of streaming subscriptions or even free options. Ironically, stacking services can now cost as much as cable once did. But culturally, cable has lost its cachet and become a symbol of outdated spending. What was once a sign of comfort is now seen as poor value.
13. Owning New Furniture
Buying new, matching furniture from a store used to scream “middle class.” Think dining sets, bedroom suites, or even a new sofa delivered and set up in your home. Now, people cobble together pieces from Craigslist, IKEA, Facebook Marketplace, or hand-me-downs. The idea of furnishing your home all at once feels financially impossible for many.
Rising costs and shifting priorities have turned furniture into a longer-term investment, not a starting point. Some wait years before upgrading from that futon or mismatched chairs. The Pinterest-perfect home is often just a dream for middle-income earners. What was once a rite of passage now requires time, strategy, and compromise.
