Gen Z Faces Steeper Costs for Housing, Education and Family Milestones Than Boomers
A study by crypto casino BC Game finds that despite higher wages, Generation Z must work significantly more hours to afford homes, college, cars, childcare and weddings compared with Baby Boomers at the same age.
Research conducted by BC Game reveals that Generation Z’s purchasing power has not kept pace with the soaring costs of essential life events. While average wages have increased about 3.8-fold since 1985, the price of a median home rose nearly five times, college tuition climbed almost sevenfold, and used-car prices surged from $2,656 to $26,918. Childcare expenses exploded 17 times, reaching roughly $17,000 annually, and wedding costs rose from $7,800 to $36,000.
The study translates these gaps into labor, showing Zoomers must work about 13,006 hours to buy a house versus 10,350 for Boomers, plus additional hundreds of hours for education, vehicles, childcare and weddings. BC Game chief Ali Muhanned attributes the trend to unaffordable housing, childcare and groceries, noting a record low 21% share of first-time homebuyers last year. The findings suggest many young Americans are postponing traditional adult milestones due to financial strain.
Why it matters
Rising costs force young adults to work longer and delay major life decisions, affecting future household formation and economic growth.
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