We have not been back to the US in 2 years, but when we did return to attend a family funeral in 2023 (we live in Portugal), we definitely saw a huge increase in restaurant prices. We are wine drinkers, so it was a shock to find that a $9.00 glass of (just okay) wine in 2021 was upwards of $20.00 (and of course, a tip on top). It got to the point where we decided to just drink beer instead of wine - at least it was a little bit cheaper. - CW
A timely and excellent portrayal of the rising and outrageous costs of most everything. Brent, you have hit a nerve - I am so sick of American insanity that I fled to South Africa. Just arrived in Cape Town a few days ago and I am absolutely in love with this place. Supermarket food prices are about 40% cheaper here. The restaurant prices here in Melkbosstrand are almost half American prices. The most expensive entree in town is South African lobster for $23.50. A rib eye steak costs $16. Salmon and spinach Benedict for $10. Fish and chips to go for $6.
As a thrifty nomad, this is an ideal spot. Everything is cheaper here. I've got a two bedroom apartment overlooking the sea for just $1500 a month. In America it would go for $6000 easily...
Remember Trump said he would lower prices on Day 1. Instead, they are rocketing higher. I fear for those who have been priced out of a decent life. Many of my friends back home are despairing for their futures. There is no middle class anymore. It's now the underclass and the top 5%. I am very sad about the state of our country and don't see any improvement in the next few years.
Restaurants are one of the highest businesses hit at this point of the Trump effect (tariffs and all his other economic mess). I think it is partly due to yhe food we import has increased. Partly due to the lack of farm labor due to the ICE deportation mess. For some reason the agriculture (both crops and livestock) have been in very bad shape. I do not quite crasp enough to know exactly why. Dut farmers and ranchers seem to point at Trump policies. Even fast food and grocery prices have been hit. Many chains (of all kinds, not just food related) have been closing large numbers of shops, restaurants and stores. Some predict that the worse is to come. I do my best to live simple life-style (decided when young, gave me more freedom in my work needs, lol) I have even noticed it and just do not eat out or even fast food; something I use to a great deal of the time in earlier years. Not sure this is informative at all. Being 79 I remember when mom and dad bought a new house in CA with a huge backyard brand new for about $10, 000. Not now a days, but I always move alot so always rent. Enjoy your weeks a head. Be glad you are out there.
My husband just returned to our town in America. We are a family of five so eating out wasn't something we did often. But, we had a few favorite restaurants that were on the affordable side for our family. He went to one of those establishments and it cost him $20 just for his simple meal--a BBQ sandwich, two small sides and an iced tea. (This is a restaurant that's pretty close to fast food standard). $20! For one person! This is not what it cost when we lived there. Our family would not be able to eat there anymore if we still lived there. It's insane.
I don't think wages are rising *enough* compared with the costs of goods and services. And I'm not sure what's going on in the countries I've been able to observe–Canada, the US, and the UK. They could blame the pandemic for upending traditional trading systems with, especially, China. But that doesn't tell the whole story.
Basically, we moved to Switzerland 11 years ago. Stuff cost money! A croissant and a coffee was maybe 5 CHF at local place (ie not Starbucks). McDonald's cost... I can't remember. Organic free range chicken meat cost about 10 CHF at the grocery store for about 500g. Don't quote me on these numbers 🤣🙈
What I'm leading up to, though, is that before and after the pandemic, these prices have stayed roughly the same! I can go to the grocery store and buy store-brand soap, shampoo, pasta, other staples, all made in Switzerland, for about 1 CHF each ❤️
I go to Canada, and stores are shutting down. Other stores were half empty in November 2020 (because they get too much stuff made in China) and aren't much better now. And all the stuff that's left? The prices have skyrocketed–to reach Switzerland prices. But no one is earning Switzerland-level salaries! People in the UK have turned freezing into a virtue (even more so than in the past century :p ) because they can't afford heat.
I cannot comment on US prices, but we avoid eating out in most of Europe because prices have gone up so much. First with the introduction of the euro. Then slowly for a while. After Covid it went crazy. It’s better for our health anyway to eat most meals at home.
Having just returned from Spain this week, I can honestly say that the pricing structure is so completely askew.
Craft coffee shop and craft bakery in the heart of Barcelona: 1.30€ cappuccino and 1.70€ croissant.
3€ total. No tip
Grand total: 3€
Craft coffee shop and craft bakery in the heart of New York City: $6 cappuccino and $9 croissant.
$15 total. Expected tip: 20% - $3
Grand total: $18
At some point, you have to ask yourself… how is the American cost 6 times as much.
MAKE IT MAKE SENSE. I am just baffled.... And frankly, annoyed.
We have not been back to the US in 2 years, but when we did return to attend a family funeral in 2023 (we live in Portugal), we definitely saw a huge increase in restaurant prices. We are wine drinkers, so it was a shock to find that a $9.00 glass of (just okay) wine in 2021 was upwards of $20.00 (and of course, a tip on top). It got to the point where we decided to just drink beer instead of wine - at least it was a little bit cheaper. - CW
The japanese yen rate is only excellent if your salary isn’t in yen like mine is.😅 Currently in London and feeling the pain!!!
A timely and excellent portrayal of the rising and outrageous costs of most everything. Brent, you have hit a nerve - I am so sick of American insanity that I fled to South Africa. Just arrived in Cape Town a few days ago and I am absolutely in love with this place. Supermarket food prices are about 40% cheaper here. The restaurant prices here in Melkbosstrand are almost half American prices. The most expensive entree in town is South African lobster for $23.50. A rib eye steak costs $16. Salmon and spinach Benedict for $10. Fish and chips to go for $6.
As a thrifty nomad, this is an ideal spot. Everything is cheaper here. I've got a two bedroom apartment overlooking the sea for just $1500 a month. In America it would go for $6000 easily...
Remember Trump said he would lower prices on Day 1. Instead, they are rocketing higher. I fear for those who have been priced out of a decent life. Many of my friends back home are despairing for their futures. There is no middle class anymore. It's now the underclass and the top 5%. I am very sad about the state of our country and don't see any improvement in the next few years.
Restaurants are one of the highest businesses hit at this point of the Trump effect (tariffs and all his other economic mess). I think it is partly due to yhe food we import has increased. Partly due to the lack of farm labor due to the ICE deportation mess. For some reason the agriculture (both crops and livestock) have been in very bad shape. I do not quite crasp enough to know exactly why. Dut farmers and ranchers seem to point at Trump policies. Even fast food and grocery prices have been hit. Many chains (of all kinds, not just food related) have been closing large numbers of shops, restaurants and stores. Some predict that the worse is to come. I do my best to live simple life-style (decided when young, gave me more freedom in my work needs, lol) I have even noticed it and just do not eat out or even fast food; something I use to a great deal of the time in earlier years. Not sure this is informative at all. Being 79 I remember when mom and dad bought a new house in CA with a huge backyard brand new for about $10, 000. Not now a days, but I always move alot so always rent. Enjoy your weeks a head. Be glad you are out there.
My husband just returned to our town in America. We are a family of five so eating out wasn't something we did often. But, we had a few favorite restaurants that were on the affordable side for our family. He went to one of those establishments and it cost him $20 just for his simple meal--a BBQ sandwich, two small sides and an iced tea. (This is a restaurant that's pretty close to fast food standard). $20! For one person! This is not what it cost when we lived there. Our family would not be able to eat there anymore if we still lived there. It's insane.
I've been noticing this!
I don't think wages are rising *enough* compared with the costs of goods and services. And I'm not sure what's going on in the countries I've been able to observe–Canada, the US, and the UK. They could blame the pandemic for upending traditional trading systems with, especially, China. But that doesn't tell the whole story.
Basically, we moved to Switzerland 11 years ago. Stuff cost money! A croissant and a coffee was maybe 5 CHF at local place (ie not Starbucks). McDonald's cost... I can't remember. Organic free range chicken meat cost about 10 CHF at the grocery store for about 500g. Don't quote me on these numbers 🤣🙈
What I'm leading up to, though, is that before and after the pandemic, these prices have stayed roughly the same! I can go to the grocery store and buy store-brand soap, shampoo, pasta, other staples, all made in Switzerland, for about 1 CHF each ❤️
I go to Canada, and stores are shutting down. Other stores were half empty in November 2020 (because they get too much stuff made in China) and aren't much better now. And all the stuff that's left? The prices have skyrocketed–to reach Switzerland prices. But no one is earning Switzerland-level salaries! People in the UK have turned freezing into a virtue (even more so than in the past century :p ) because they can't afford heat.
What is going on?!
I cannot comment on US prices, but we avoid eating out in most of Europe because prices have gone up so much. First with the introduction of the euro. Then slowly for a while. After Covid it went crazy. It’s better for our health anyway to eat most meals at home.