If it feels like everything is getting more expensive, that’s because it is. One day, you’re buying eggs for a reasonable price, and the next, you’re debating whether you even need them. From groceries to gas, the cost of everyday essentials has gone up, leaving many of us wondering if we should start growing our own food and sewing our own clothes.
But before you panic, there are ways to save money. Here are 15 everyday items that have skyrocketed in price and some smarter alternatives to help you keep more cash in your wallet.
15. Coffee
Your morning cup of coffee is costing more than ever, whether you’re brewing at home or grabbing a latte on the go. Rising coffee bean prices and supply chain issues have made this essential a pricey habit.
What to do instead: Buy coffee beans in bulk, invest in a good coffee maker, and skip the daily coffee shop run. If you love fancy lattes, learn how to make them at home with a milk frother and flavored syrups.
14. Cereal
The days of cheap cereal are long gone. A single box now costs almost as much as a full breakfast at a diner, and somehow, it always seems to disappear in two days.
What to do instead: Switch to generic store brands, which often taste the same but cost significantly less. If you want to save even more, try oatmeal, granola, or toast with peanut butter as a breakfast alternative.
13. Eggs
Egg prices have fluctuated wildly over the past few years, and right now they’re seemingly higher than ever.
What to do instead: Consider plant-based alternatives like flax or chia eggs for baking, and when eggs are on sale, stock up and freeze them for later use.
12. Laundry Detergent
That bottle of detergent that used to last a month is now eating into your budget. Prices have surged, and let’s be real—most of us use way more than we actually need.
What to do instead: Try detergent sheets or DIY laundry detergent. You can also cut down on the amount you use per load—most people overpour anyway.
11. Toilet Paper
It’s the item we all need but hate spending money on. Toilet paper prices keep creeping up, making it an annoying but necessary expense.
What to do instead: Buy in bulk at warehouse stores, look for sales, or consider a bidet attachment for your toilet. It might seem strange at first, but it saves money in the long run.
10. Meat
Meat prices have been all over the place, with beef and chicken taking the biggest hits. A simple steak dinner can now feel like a luxury.
What to do instead: Try incorporating more plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu into your meals. If you’re set on eating meat, look for sales, buy in bulk, and freeze portions for later.
9. Bread
A loaf of bread used to be an easy, affordable staple. Now, depending on the brand, you might be paying way more than you ever expected.
What to do instead: Check out local bakeries for deals or try baking your own bread. If that sounds like too much work, opt for frozen or discount store bread, which often has a longer shelf life.
8. Gasoline
If you drive, you’ve definitely noticed that gas prices never seem to go back to normal. Filling up your tank now feels like a major financial decision.
What to do instead: Use gas rewards programs, carpool when possible, and keep your tires properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency. If you live in a city, try biking or using public transportation a few days a week to save money.
7. Restaurant Meals
Eating out has always been pricey, but now even fast food feels expensive. A simple meal that used to be affordable is now pushing restaurant visits into the “special occasion” category.
What to do instead: Cook at home more often and reserve eating out for actual special occasions. When you do go out, look for happy hour deals, daily specials, or restaurant loyalty programs.
6. Streaming Services
Remember when cutting cable was supposed to save us money? Now, with multiple streaming subscriptions, you might be paying just as much as you were before.
What to do instead: Rotate your subscriptions instead of keeping them all active at once. Take advantage of free trials and split costs with family or friends.
5. Movie Theater Tickets
A simple night at the movies now costs more than a nice dinner, especially if you add popcorn and drinks into the mix.
What to do instead: Look for discount days, use rewards programs, or stream new releases at home. If you still love the theater experience, check out second-run theaters or matinee showings.
4. Home Goods
Basic household items like furniture, cookware, and appliances have become significantly more expensive. Even things like storage bins and dish soap are now surprisingly pricey.
What to do instead: Buy secondhand from thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or online discount retailers. You can also wait for big sales like Black Friday or holiday promotions.
3. Skincare and Beauty Products
That moisturizer or serum you love probably costs way more than it used to. Beauty brands know they can mark up their products, and many people will still buy them.
What to do instead: Look for budget-friendly alternatives or store-brand versions of popular products. Many drugstore brands have similar ingredients at a fraction of the price.
Read More: 10 Reasons to Start Making Bread at Home
2. Flights
If you’ve tried to book a trip recently, you know airfare prices are out of control. Even budget airlines aren’t as cheap as they used to be.
What to do instead: Be flexible with your travel dates, set up price alerts, and book flights on weekdays when fares are usually lower. Consider driving or taking a train for shorter trips.
Read More: 23 Ways to Save Money on Everyday Expenses
1. Groceries in General
If it feels like your total at the checkout is higher every time, it’s because grocery prices have risen across the board. There’s no single category to blame—it’s everything.
What to do instead: Plan your meals, shop with a list, and compare prices at different stores. Buy in bulk when it makes sense and use cashback apps to save a little on every trip.
