"Home Alone" Grocery Prices Show How Much Times Have Changed

62% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. As the cost of living soars, wages remain stagnant.

With millions of Americans struggling this Christmas, it's no wonder why a supermarket scene from Home Alone went viral. In the 1990 classic, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister went grocery shopping in New York. His haul included the basics: white bread, Kraft mac and cheese, orange juice, detergent, cling wrap, toilet paper, and more. His total was only $19.83 – which is cheaper than an Erewohn smoothie.

Let's compare these prices. Kevin's grocery list cost $44.40 last year. In 2023, that same haul would have cost $72.28 – a 250% increase since the iconic scene.

Realtor Freddie Smith took to TikTok to analyze the salaries required to afford these prices. In 1990, a $40k salary would have been the income of a median household. He stated that the income doubled to about $81k in 2022 but has stayed the same in 2023. "If the income would be keeping up, the income should be $129,000 for the median household income," Smith explained. "And what do you know, that is the amount of money that the average American family needs to have a shot at qualifying at the average house."

He continued, "So all this inflation – housing prices, daycare, student loans, consumer debt –is all on the rise, and yet income is stagnant. That is a big problem that we need to fix."

Smith's astonishing price breakdown had TikTokers in a frenzy.

"$100 bill is the new $20 bill," wrote Ryguy11. His comment garnered over 45,000 likes, proving that many Americans are in agreement.

"I could get that down to $20 at self checkout," a TikToker joked.

@catpraycrafts added, "So what you're telling me is that my kids couldn't survive if I accidentally left them home alone to go on a trip to Paris?"

"Tide alone is almost $20 now," a woman named Dijana noted.

Another person said they spent $85 recently for three bags of groceries. Someone else reminisced how pocket change used to get them a full meal at Taco Bell.

We don't have to be financial experts to recognize the astronomical prices in the U.S. The American dream – planning for the future, saving money, buying a home – now seems out of reach for many citizens. According to a recent survey, 76% of Americans state that their income is not keeping up with inflation.

We're not sure where it will go from here, but an adviser to Joe Biden recently said that these economic concerns will be addressed. National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard said the president is "so focused on fighting to bring down costs for hard working Americans." Sure, whatever you say.

In the meantime, as the iconic line from the film goes, "Keep the change, you filthy animals!"

Evie deserves to be heard. Support our cause and help women reclaim their femininity by subscribing today.