11 Things Even Rich People Can Barely Afford Anymore

Last year's viral list of indulgences even the rich could barely justify was equal parts fascination and financial wake-up call. But a year later (despite inflation being forecasted to cool to around 2.7%), the cost of luxury hasn't followed suit. 

In fact, many high-end essentials have become even more expensive due to surging demand and shrinking supply.

If you're looking to avoid wasting money, even at the top of the income bracket, these are the splurges you might want to think twice about in 2025.

High mortgage rates are making second homes increasingly unaffordable, even for high earners. Buying a getaway in places like Lake Tahoe or the Hamptons could now cost $100,000 or more per year in additional interest, taxes, and maintenance compared to before 2020. 

For many, this potential eventuality has become increasingly distant.

Gourmet grocery runs have become unexpectedly extravagant. Rain-harvested Brazilian beans, regeneratively grown produce, and boutique pantry items are driving up prices. 

Even among the affluent, keeping a fully stocked luxury kitchen now means reconsidering what "worth it" really tastes like.

Luxury timepieces aren't just status symbols. They're often fast-appreciating assets (and brands know it). Rolex bumped its retail prices by around 5% in 2025, but coveted models like the Daytona saw even steeper hikes.

The barrier to entry is becoming increasingly challenging, particularly given the limited production and growing resale premiums. Even longtime collectors are having a harder time.

Elite K–12 education is fast becoming a financial pressure point, even for families in the highest tax brackets. In 2025, many high-end private schools are nearing or exceeding $50,000 per year on average, with top-tier institutions in major cities surpassing that amount. 

When you throw in extracurriculars and donations, and the all-in cost rivals a college degree, every single year.

Owning a super-yacht isn't just about the nine-figure price tag. It's the ongoing costs that often sink their owners. Annual expenses for fuel and repairs can often exceed 10% of the yacht's total value, and that's only an average.

Some years might be much more. That means you're spending $3 million per year on maintenance for a $30 million vessel, just to keep it afloat and functional.

Streaming once seemed like a cost-saving alternative to cable, but now it is anything but. In 2025, YouTube TV alone costs over $83 per month, while Netflix, Max, and others continue to hike prices and split features across tiers. It is far from the bargain it once was.

If you have multiple streaming services, the cost can exceed $150 a month, which is significantly more than cable.

Of course, gaining entry to an ultra-private club was never cheap. However, those costs have continued to push up in 2025. Initiation fees for elite golf, yacht, and city clubs are now often $50,000 or more, assuming you can even snag a spot to begin with.

Annual dues have also climbed sharply, turning this once-stable luxury into an increasingly costly commitment. Even seasoned members are starting to reassess.

Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant has evolved into a luxury few can justify regularly. Tasting menus at top-tier restaurants typically range from $500 to $800 per person, excluding the cost of wine.

This raise may be due to increasing food costs, which are driving up restaurant prices around the board. This isn't counting any service charges or extras, which can easily raise a night out for two into the four-figure range.

Flying private isn't just for celebrities. However, for those who do opt for this route, the price tag has been steadily climbing.

Hourly charter rates now commonly start at $5,000 to $10,000 and can exceed $20,000 per flight hour, thanks to rising fuel costs, crew shortages, and limited aircraft availability. Ownership can be even more expensive when you consider maintenance, insurance, pilot salaries, and hangar fees.

New vehicle prices have increased far beyond inflation, averaging nearly $47,740 in 2025, a 34% increase since 2019. Premium brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi have increased their MSRPs by 6–12%, partly due to the rising cost of parts. When you add in high finance rates and insurance premiums, it can get expensive very quickly.

Luxury handbags have seen annual price increases of 7% to 10% in 2025 alone, a significant jump even amid ongoing inflation. Even Chanel's Classic Flap rose 9% in March, with Birkin 25 entering the $15,000 territory. Additionally, scarcity continues to fuel resale price markups, making the bags increasingly expensive even when purchased used.

2025's luxury landscape is reshaping what it means to build wealth. Many of the luxuries often considered low-hanging fruit for affluent households are now becoming increasingly rare. The rising costs in ultra-luxury living suggest a recalibration in what truly counts as "worth it."

Despite a forecasted global 2-5% drop in luxury-goods sales this year, brands like Ferrari, Hermès, and Brunello Cucinelli continue to thrive. Many luxury brands are leveraging scarcity and craftsmanship to maintain and even raise prices, despite economic headwinds.