23 Things The Rich Think Are Normal, But Are Actually Luxuries for Everyone Else 

In today’s world, the gap between the wealthy and the average person is widening, making it more visible than ever. While billionaires may flaunt private jets and mansions, there are everyday luxuries the higher class take for granted that most people simply can’t afford. 

Be it hiring a weekly house cleaner or enjoying frequent dinners out, these so-called “small conveniences” often lie beyond the reach of the average household. For families living paycheck to paycheck, the cost of these luxuries can be staggering, and ignoring these financial disparities only deepens the divide.

In Q1 of 2024, the top 10% of American households held 67% of the nation’s household wealth, while the bottom 50% owned just 2.5%. Why does this matter? For one, it highlights the growing financial pressures most people face. 

In this article, we’ll give you an understanding of the luxuries that remain out of reach for the majority. This way we can better appreciate the financial struggles and sacrifices many families have to make.

Curious to see what other seemingly simple things the rich might be taking for granted? Check it out and comment down below which you may have been taking for granted too!

Regular House Cleaning Services

Many wealthy families have a cleaner come by once a week, or even daily. It’s easy to assume everyone can afford this kind of help, but in reality, most people clean their own homes, doing all the scrubbing, dusting, and vacuuming themselves. 

The cost of a weekly cleaning service can add up to hundreds of dollars a month, which is a significant chunk of income for those living paycheck to paycheck. For people who are already stretched thin financially, paying someone else to clean their home just isn’t an option.

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Dining Out Frequently

Wealthy people dine out at restaurants multiple times a week is part of their lifestyle. It’s easy and saves time, with no thought given to the bill. Nearly 80% of Americans consider fast food a luxury due to its rising costs. Dining out has become something for special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, or rare treats. 

The cost of eating out even at mid-range restaurants can quickly become prohibitive. Most people rely on home-cooked meals to stay within budget, with restaurant visits being an infrequent luxury.

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New Cars (or Leasing Every Few Years)

Driving a brand-new car off the lot is a feeling that wealthy people might experience every few years, often through leasing or purchasing new models regularly. Most people though, the thought of buying a new car is out of reach. 

According to a 2024 report, over 60% of American households cannot afford to buy a new car. Used cars are the norm for the average family, with many opting for vehicles that are ten or more years old. Even then, maintaining a car, be it through insurance, repairs, or fuel costs, can strain a tight budget. 

For many, a car isn’t just transportation, it’s an ongoing financial commitment that requires careful planning.

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Childcare and Nannies

For most working families, finding affordable childcare is a constant struggle. While wealthier families can hire full-time nannies or enroll their children in top-tier daycare centers, others are often left to juggle their work schedules with limited childcare options. 

Some families rely on family members or friends to watch their kids because daycare centers can charge exorbitant fees, and many parents simply can’t afford that. The idea of having a nanny or paying for round-the-clock care is out of the question for most.

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International Vacations

Traveling abroad for a luxury vacation is a yearly tradition for many wealthy families, but for the average person, international travel is a rare or once-in-a-lifetime experience. The cost of airfare, accommodations, and meals in foreign countries is daunting, especially for families. 

Only 11% of U.S. adults took an international vacation in 2021 due to high costs and economic uncertainty. Many people spend years saving for a single vacation, and for some, even domestic travel can be a financial burden. 

Staycations or road trips to nearby cities are much more common, as the idea of jetting off to Europe or Asia for a few weeks is simply not feasible.

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Regularly Updating Technology

Rich people are often at the forefront of the latest tech trends, upgrading their phones, laptops, or home gadgets whenever a new version is released. The average person, though, buying the latest smartphone or a new computer isn’t a casual expense. 

In a 2023 Deloitte survey, nearly half (49%) of our respondents said they have delayed device purchases in the past year, and 33% feel they can’t afford to buy the tech devices their household needs.

Many hold onto their devices for years, well beyond when they might be considered outdated. The price of new technology can be overwhelming, and for most, these updates are only made when absolutely necessary, not as a matter of routine.

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Fitness and Wellness Subscriptions

With the rise of boutique fitness studios and wellness services, it’s common for rich people to have memberships to yoga studios, high-end gyms, or personalized wellness programs. 

These services come with a hefty price tag. Instead, most rely on local gyms, free online workout videos, or basic home equipment to stay in shape. 

The cost of regular classes, personal trainers, or specialized programs can be financially out of reach, making wellness something people have to work on without the luxury of professional help.

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High-End Grocery Shopping

Shopping at high-end grocery stores that focus on organic or gourmet products is another luxury that wealthy people may take for granted. 

Stores like Whole Foods or specialized markets offer a wide range of premium products, but they come with a premium price. Many people, especially families on a budget, can’t afford to shop at these kinds of stores regularly. 

Instead, they rely on more affordable supermarkets, often choosing items based on price over quality. For them, buying organic produce or specialty items is a splurge, not an everyday choice.

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Full Coverage Insurance

Insurance is a necessity for everyone, but the quality and comprehensiveness of coverage can vary greatly depending on income. Wealthy people can afford full coverage for health, auto, and home insurance, ensuring that they are protected in the event of an emergency or accident. 

In 2022, 64.2% of uninsured nonelderly adults said they were uninsured because coverage is not affordable. A lot of people opt for lower-tier plans with higher deductibles to keep premiums down, which can leave them vulnerable when unexpected costs arise. 

In many cases, people forgo certain types of insurance altogether, such as dental or vision, because they simply can’t afford the monthly premiums.

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Private School and Extracurricular Activities

Education is one area where wealth disparity is most evident. Wealthy families have the ability to send their children to private schools, where smaller class sizes and specialized curricula offer more personalized attention. 

Many families perceive private school as financially unattainable. While 40% of parents express a preference for private education, only about 5% actually enroll their children in such schools. Public schools are the only option for most families, and while many public schools provide a great education, they often lack the resources and funding of their private counterparts. 

Also, extracurricular activities like sports, music lessons, or academic clubs can come with high fees, and many families have to make difficult decisions about what they can afford for their children.

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Home Renovations and Upgrades

For many wealthy people, home renovations or upgrades are routine. They can easily afford to remodel a kitchen, add an extra room, or install the latest smart home technology. 

90% of homeowners have had to put off home renovations, with 42% saying they’ve delayed their plans because of financial constraints. The average person’s home improvements are a significant financial undertaking, often requiring loans or years of saving. 

Even small renovations can be expensive, and most homeowners prioritize basic maintenance over luxury upgrades. The idea of continuously upgrading and modernizing a home is out of reach for many, who instead live with what they have for as long as possible.

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Personal Financial Advisors

Having a personal financial advisor is something that many wealthy people rely on to manage their investments, savings, and tax planning. For the average person, though, financial advice often comes through internet research or budget apps. 

The cost of hiring a personal advisor, along with the perception that financial advisors are only for the rich, keeps many people from seeking this kind of personalized guidance. This often leads to people making financial decisions on their own, sometimes without fully understanding the long-term consequences.

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Time Off Without Worry

One of the greatest luxuries rich people have is the ability to take time off work without worrying about financial repercussions. Meanwhile, most people’s time off is carefully rationed, and taking unpaid leave or an extended vacation can mean falling behind on bills or missing out on crucial income.

Many employees, particularly those in lower-wage jobs, don’t have the luxury of paid sick days or vacation time, making time off a stressful and costly decision. 

rich people, on the other hand, have the financial cushion to take time off whenever they need it, without worrying about making ends meet.

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Owning Recreational Vehicles

Owning things like boats, jet skis, or RVs is a luxury that few can afford. While many people enjoy renting these items for a weekend getaway, the cost of ownership, between purchase price, maintenance, and storage, makes it out of reach for most. 

For the average person, these are fun, temporary experiences, while for wealthier individuals, they are permanent fixtures in their lives, often used to enhance already luxurious vacations or leisure activities.

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Regular Hair and Beauty Treatments

Many rich people routinely visit high-end salons and spas for haircuts, color treatments, manicures, and facials. These appointments can easily cost hundreds of dollars each visit, making them unattainable for most people. 

While the average person may splurge on these services for special occasions, frequenting upscale salons is a luxury that’s out of reach for many. Instead, most rely on budget salons or at-home beauty care.

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Professional Organizers

Hiring a professional organizer to declutter a home or office is becoming increasingly common among the wealthy. These services can transform spaces quickly, bringing order and efficiency to busy lives.

For many, though, the idea of paying someone to organize their belongings is simply not practical. Decluttering or reorganizing is a task that often gets put off or handled gradually in the limited free time people have.

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Personal Trainers for Kids

It’s not just adults who benefit from personal trainers; some wealthy families hire fitness coaches specifically for their children. These trainers focus on developing athletic skills or general fitness in a one-on-one setting. 

For most families, though, this level of investment in a child’s physical training is unrealistic. Kids participate in school sports or community leagues, which come at a much lower cost but often lack the individualized attention that personal trainers provide.

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Hiring Movers for Every Move

For rich people, moving to a new home often means hiring a full-service moving company that handles everything, including packing, transportation, and unpacking. 

This type of service can cost thousands of dollars, and many people can only dream of having that kind of assistance. For most, moving involves gathering friends and family to help, renting a truck, and doing the heavy lifting themselves to save money.

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Subscription Boxes and Meal Kits

Subscription boxes that deliver curated items or meal kits directly to a home are a convenient luxury that some people indulge in regularly. These services offer high-quality products or gourmet meals but come with steep price tags. 

While convenient, they are often unaffordable for the average person, who instead shops for groceries on a tight budget and cooks meals with more cost-effective ingredients. The idea of having a meal delivered and ready to cook without any shopping is an extravagance for many.

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High-End Pet Care

Rich people often treat their pets to premium pet care services, including luxury boarding, regular grooming, and even pet spa days. In 2022, Americans spent over $136 billion on their pets, with grooming and boarding accounting for a significant portion of that expense. 

Some even hire dog walkers or pet sitters to ensure their pets are well taken care of during their busy schedules. Most pet owners, though, such services are out of reach. Pets are groomed less frequently, and if boarding is necessary, budget options are chosen.

For many, caring for a pet is a labor of love rather than a luxury expense.

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Exclusive Sports Events and VIP Tickets

Attending sporting events in VIP sections or having access to exclusive tickets is another luxury many wealthy people enjoy. Box seats, special viewing areas, and hospitality packages that include food and drinks can elevate the experience, but they come at a significant cost. 

Most people can only afford general admission tickets, if that, and special seats or luxury suites are not within their budget. Attending games is often reserved for special occasions, not a regular pastime.

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Personal Travel Planners

While planning a trip can be fun for some, many rich people hire personal travel planners to handle all the details. These planners arrange everything, including flights, accommodations, and activities, creating a seamless travel experience. 

Most people, though, planning a vacation means spending hours researching deals, comparing prices, and trying to save wherever possible. The convenience of having someone else handle it all is a service that many cannot afford.

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Financial Safety Net for Family

Many rich people act as a financial safety net for extended family members, offering support during emergencies or when unexpected costs arise. This could mean paying for a relative’s medical bills, helping with a home down payment, or covering education expenses. 

As of a 2023 survey by the Federal Reserve, about 37% of U.S. adults do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense, indicating a lack of a basic financial safety net for many people. 

Most people don’t have the means to provide such financial assistance. Instead, they might struggle to manage their own financial obligations, let alone have extra funds to support others.

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The Gap Between Dreams and Reality

In the end, the divide between what the wealthy can easily afford and what remains a far-off dream for many is about much more than private jets and designer clothes. Everyday luxuries such as  weekly house cleaning services, personal trainers or extravagant vacations, highlight the stark financial realities faced by the average person. 

As we continue to handle these differences, understanding the financial pressures and struggles of everyday people helps us appreciate the small luxuries in our own lives that often go unnoticed. 

Recognizing these disparities also reminds us to be mindful of our financial choices and grateful for the comforts we do have.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.