7 Little Luxuries Quietly Slipping Out of Middle-Class Reach by Early 2027
Middle class doesn’t have the same meaning it once did. Instead of living a comfortable lifestyle with the means to afford reasonable frills, many in this group are struggling.
In 2024 — the most recent data available — the average household had a pre-tax income of $104,207 and expenditures totaling $78,527, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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This doesn’t leave much room for extras — and in some cases, necessities. Approximately, 71% of middle-income Americans say their income isn’t keeping up with the cost of living, according to a 2026 Primerica survey.
Here’s a look at seven little luxuries that may not fit into the budget of many middle-class households by early 2027.
1. Regular Dining Out
Americans spent an average of $10,077 on food in 2023-24 — the most recent data available — according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of this, 39% — $3,939 — was spent on food away from home.
It’s safe to assume people weren’t dining out 39% of the time, highlighting the price difference between eating at home and opting for restaurant fare. Given this, the middle class may need to make going out to eat more of a special occasion than a regular occurrence.
2. Subscribing to Multiple Streaming Services
The average subscribing household spends $69 per month on streaming video services, according to Deloitte. This adds up to a significant $828 per year.
Clearly, streaming services can add up fast. Middle-class families may need to choose one or two services to subscribe to at a time and/or consider choosing the subscription tier with ads.
For example, a standard Netflix subscription with ads costs $8.99 per month, rising to $19.99 per month for a standard subscription without ads.
3. Seeing Movies in the Theater
The average price of a movie ticket is $16.30, according to CableTV.com. This means a family of four would pay approximately $65.20 for tickets, without factoring snacks into the mix.
Consequently, middle-class families may start visiting movie theaters less frequently.
4. Getting a Manicure and Pedicure
The average middle-class person probably doesn’t have a standing appointment at the nail salon. However, getting a manicure and/or a pedicure can be a little luxury to occasionally indulge in.
A standard manicure costs $20 to $50 and a standard pedicure costs $25 to $55, according to Yelp. Add a 20% tip onto the cost of these services and households already struggling to make ends meet likely won’t be able to afford this extravagance — at least, not as often as their nails need it.
5. Hiring a House Cleaning Service
Finding the time and energy to properly clean your home can be a challenge. In the past, hiring a house cleaning service at a regular interval may have been an indulgence worked into the budget of many middle-class households.
However, house cleaners these days cost $185-$324 per session, according to Thumbtack. While likely a fair rate, this may become harder for many families to afford.
6. Opting for Brand New Cars
As of July 2026, the average price of a used car is $27,028, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB). The average price of a new car is $49,855, as of July 2026, according to KBB.
Given the price difference, middle-class households may need to focus on used cars in good condition, instead of brand-new models.
7. Buying Coffee Out
Likely one of the most common little luxuries, venturing out for a cup of coffee is getting pricier. While the middle class may be able to afford an occasional caffeine indulgence, keeping this as a regular habit is likely out of reach.
The median price of a cup of hot coffee at U.S. restaurants is $3.79, according to Toast. This rises to $5.75 for a cold brew, also according to Toast.
For example, buying four cups of hot coffee out per week costs $15.16 per week, $60.64 per month and $788.32 per year. Even more expensive, four cold brews per week cost $23, rising to around $92 per month and $1,196 per year.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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