This is difficult to explain. I can’t figure out a rule of thumb for spending, the prices of things fluctuate so quickly it’s confusing. Here are some examples
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A house, prices are out of control, inventory is low, sellers are greedy. I’m feeling not only unable to afford it but finding lack of value in inflated prices
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Computer parts. Relatively cheap compared to pandemic but more expensive than before but also much cheaper than 90s/00s, but still could be cheaper
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TWS earbuds, completely different ball game from regular earbuds, disposable electronics.
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Food. Nights out with drinks now sometimes cost me more than 2 & 3, but seem like just keeping up with inflation
The prices range from 100,000s to 100s, but some are fleeting, some semi permanent, some last a long time. I also spend hours researching prices of parts and waiting for sales, but spending the same amount on social events in an instant
Well, a lot of labor goes in to making things like electronics. The supply chain and regulatory compliance are very complicated, and the margins are very thin (highest I’ve seen is 15%, maybe exceeded by some exceptions like Apple but usually it is less).
So small changes to the hard costs, distribution, tax status, labor costs, shipping costs, duties, or regulatory burdens would affect the end price. For electronics at least, it’s a pretty complex equation.
Anyway, I’ve got good news! You’ve got it relatively easy. Here in Vietnam, land prices are much higher. Want a reasonably modern house 90 minute drive from HCMC? If you are university educated, and so is your partner, and you have no kids, and no luxury expenses… I worked out you could afford it, if you save for about 40 years and prices don’t go up. No yard or anything – just a 100 square meter plot fileld to the brim with a concrete house.
Food is cheap here, at least! You would be shocked at land prices in Asia though.
More and more cities are becoming like this, governments don’t or can’t plan for mega cities