How much does the "American Dream" cost these days?
How much does the American Dream cost these days? Turns out, a lot more than most people will make in a lifetime. New research pegs the “all-in” cost of the American Dream at just over $5 million — up from $4.4 million last year. That includes the major milestones: approximately $1.6 million for retirement, nearly $1 million for a home, around $900,000 for new cars, and close to $875,000 for raising two children and sending them to college. Even the softer goals add up — $180k for annual vacations, $39k for pets, and $38k for a wedding.
Data: Investopedia | Chart: Axios
Put differently, the dream is now almost double what the average college-educated American will earn over a career (~$2.8 million). No wonder belief in the dream is at an all-time low.
It’s no wonder faith in the American Dream is slipping. A recent WSJ/NORC poll found that nearly 70% of U.S. adults say the idea that hard work pays off either never did or no longer does — the highest level of skepticism in 15 years. Only 25% believe they have a good chance of improving their standard of living, a record low.
But this doesn’t have to make you nihilistic. The “American Dream” isn’t a one-size-fits-all checklist anymore. If buying a house, having kids, and retiring at 65 feels impossible on your income, you’re not alone — and it doesn’t mean you’re failing. The real key is prioritizing: decide which pieces of the dream actually matter most to you, and build your plan around those.
