Costs Soar for Necessities While Discretionary Stays Flat, Putting American Dream Economically Out of Reach

Costs of necessities like housing, healthcare, education, and childcare have risen much faster than incomes over the past 30 years.

Prices of wants like cars, clothes, toys, and electronics have stayed flat or even dropped over the same period.

This means families have less money left over after paying for basics, even as incomes reach all-time highs.

Market forces that should restrain prices don't work the same way for necessities like housing and healthcare.

If costs keep rising faster than incomes, the American dream will be mathematically impossible to sustain.