Comment by dudeinhawaii

While we're being data driven - the narrative isn't far off from reality. Looking at inflation in isolation is also misleading.

Plainly, prices have risen faster than pay.

Avg. new-car price: $23,017 in 2005 -> $47,465 in 2024 (+32% after inflation).

Median household income: $46,242 in 2005 -> $80,610 in 2023 (+12% after inflation).