23 Everyday Privileges Rich People Have That Most Can’t Afford
Today, the gap between the rich and the average person is growing and more obvious than ever. While billionaires show off private jets and big homes, there are everyday treats the wealthy enjoy that most people cannot afford.
Whether it’s hiring a cleaner every week or eating out often, these “small comforts” are out of reach for many families. For those living paycheck to paycheck, the cost of these extras can be very high, and ignoring these money differences makes the gap even worse.
In the first part of 2024, the richest 10% of American households owned 67% of the country’s wealth, while the poorest 50% had only 2.5%. Why does this matter? It shows the growing money problems most people face.
This article will help you understand which luxuries most people miss out on. That way, we can better see the money struggles and hard choices many families go through.
Want to know what simple things the rich might not even notice? Read on and share in the comments which ones you might be missing too!
Regular House Cleaning Services
Many rich families have a cleaner visit once a week or even every day. It’s simple to think everyone can pay for this kind of help, but in truth, most people clean their own homes, doing all the scrubbing, dusting, and vacuuming by themselves.
The price of a weekly cleaning service can cost hundreds of dollars each month, which is a big part of the income for those who live paycheck to paycheck. For people who are already short on money, paying someone else to clean their home just isn’t possible.
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.
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.
Childcare and Nannies
For many working families, finding childcare that doesn’t cost too much is a big challenge. Richer families can pay for full-time nannies or send their kids to expensive daycare centers, but others often have to manage their jobs while having fewer choices for childcare.
Some families ask relatives or friends to help watch their children because daycare costs a lot, and many parents just don’t have the money for it. Hiring a nanny or paying for care all day and night is something most cannot afford.
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.
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.
Fitness and Wellness Subscriptions
As boutique fitness studios and wellness services grow, many wealthy people join yoga centers, fancy gyms, or custom wellness plans.
These options often cost a lot of money. Most others use local gyms, free workout videos online, or simple home gear to keep fit.
The price of classes, trainers, or special plans can be too high, so many have to focus on staying healthy without expert support.
High-End Grocery Shopping
Shopping at upscale grocery stores that sell organic or gourmet items is another treat that rich people might not even notice.
Stores like Whole Foods or other specialty markets have many high-quality products, but these costs are high. Many people, especially families watching their spending, cannot shop at these stores often.
They shop at cheaper supermarkets and usually pick things based on price instead of quality. For them, buying organic fruits and vegetables or special items is a rare treat, not a regular habit.
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.
Private School and Extracurricular Activities
Education is an area where the gap between rich and poor is very clear. Rich families can send their children to private schools, which have smaller classes and special programs that give students more personal help.
Many families think private school costs too much. Although 40% of parents want private education, only about 5% actually put their kids in these schools. Most families have to use public schools, which often give a good education but usually do not have as much money or support as private schools.
Also, activities outside of class like sports, music lessons, or school clubs can be expensive. Many families have to choose carefully what they can pay 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.
Personal Financial Advisors
Many rich people use a personal financial advisor to help with their investments, savings, and taxes. Most normal people get financial tips by looking online or using budget apps.
Because hiring an advisor can be expensive and many think advisors are just for the wealthy, lots of people don’t ask for this kind of help. This can cause them to make money choices alone, sometimes without knowing the possible effects later on.
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.
Owning Recreational Vehicles
Having things like boats, jet skis, or RVs is a luxury that only a few can pay for. Many people like to rent these items for a weekend trip, but owning them is too expensive because of the buying price, upkeep, and storage costs.
For most people, these are fun and short-term experiences, while richer people keep them all the time and use them to make their vacations or free time more enjoyable.
Regular Hair and Beauty Treatments
Many wealthy people often go to fancy salons and spas for haircuts, hair color, manicures, and facials. These visits can cost hundreds of dollars each time, so most people cannot afford them.
Most people might treat themselves to these services on special days, but going to expensive salons often is a luxury that many cannot have. Instead, most choose cheaper salons or take care of beauty at home.
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.
Personal Trainers for Kids
It’s not only adults who gain from personal trainers; some rich families pay for fitness coaches just for their children. These trainers work on building sports skills or overall fitness one-on-one.
For most families, this kind of spending on a child’s physical training is too expensive. Kids usually join school teams or local leagues, which cost less but often do not offer the personal care that trainers give.
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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.
Subscription Boxes and Meal Kits
Subscription boxes that send selected items or meal kits straight to your home are an easy treat that some people use often. These services provide top-quality goods or fancy meals but tend to be expensive.
Though they save time, many people cannot afford them and buy groceries on a limited budget, cooking meals with cheaper ingredients. Getting a meal delivered and ready to cook without having to shop is a luxury for many.
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.
Exclusive Sports Events and VIP Tickets
Going to sports games in VIP areas or having special tickets is a luxury many rich people enjoy. Box seats, private viewing spots, and packages with food and drinks make the experience better, but they cost a lot.
Most people can only buy regular tickets, if they can afford any at all, and special seats or luxury rooms are too expensive for them. Going to games is usually saved for special events, not something done all the time.
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.
Financial Safety Net for Family
Many wealthy people act as a backup source of money for their extended family, giving help in emergencies or when sudden costs come up. This might include paying a relative’s medical bills, helping with a home down payment, or covering school expenses.
A 2023 survey by the Federal Reserve shows that about 37% of U.S. adults do not have enough savings to handle a $400 emergency cost, showing that many lack a basic money safety net.
Most people do not have enough money to give this kind of help. They often find it hard to meet their own bills, let alone save extra to support others.
The Gap Between Dreams and Reality
In the end, the gap between what rich people can easily buy and what feels out of reach for many is about much more than fancy cars and expensive clothes. Simple treats like weekly house cleaning, personal trainers, or big vacations show the real money issues that many face every day.
As we keep dealing with these differences, knowing the money struggles of regular people helps us value the little nice things in our own lives that we often miss.
Seeing these gaps also reminds us to be careful with our money and thankful for the comforts we enjoy.
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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.
