It often feels like the cost of living only moves in one direction: up. From the price of a carton of eggs to the rent check, it’s easy to feel like your wallet is constantly under attack. But believe it or not, there are bright spots in the economy where prices have actually crashed.

Thanks to incredible leaps in technology and changes in how the world manufactures goods, some things are significantly cheaper today than they were twenty years ago. Here are seven everyday items and services that have become surprisingly affordable.

The Big Screen TV

Remember when a “flat-screen” TV was a bulky, heavy status symbol that cost thousands of dollars? In the early 2000s, buying a large television was a major financial decision, often requiring a payment plan. Today, the script has flipped completely.

Interesting…https://t.co/WnkMBlTlJn

— Bill Bateman (@BillBateman1) April 8, 2025

You can now walk into a store and pick up a massive, high-definition 4K television for a fraction of the price of a smartphone. Manufacturing screens has become so efficient that what was once a luxury item is now a standard, affordable appliance in almost every home.

Storing Your Digital Life

If you owned a digital camera in the mid-2000s, you remember the pain of buying memory cards. A tiny card with just 8 gigabytes of space could cost you over $100. You treated it like gold because, in a way, it cost as much as gold.

Today, digital storage is practically free. You can buy SD cards with 128 gigabytes of space—enough for thousands of high-resolution photos or hours of video—for the price of a sandwich. This massive drop in price has made it possible for us to document our entire lives without ever worrying about running out of “film.”

Getting From A to B

While gas prices always seem to fluctuate, the overall cost of fueling a journey has remained surprisingly stable compared to other goods. Thanks to steady oil production and the rise of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, the “cost per mile” for many drivers has been kept in check.

Furthermore, public transportation in many regions has resisted the massive inflation seen in other sectors. Through government subsidies and a push for greener cities, taking the bus or train remains one of the most cost-effective ways to travel, often cheaper than owning and maintaining a private vehicle.

The Local Library

The library has always been free, but the value of what you get for $0 has skyrocketed. Twenty years ago, a library card got you a book. Today, it is a key to a treasure trove of expensive services.

Modern libraries offer free access to high-speed internet, expensive computer software, workshops, and even 3D printers. They provide digital access to thousands of magazines, audiobooks, and movies that would cost a fortune to subscribe to individually. It is one of the few places on earth where the return on investment is infinite.

Home Entertainment

Do you remember the days of paying late fees at the video rental store or buying DVDs for $20 a pop? Entertainment used to be a line item in the family budget that added up quickly.

This is how much a laptop cost in 1989 pic.twitter.com/N6EmlSsUVY

— internet hall of fame (@InternetH0F) November 16, 2025

Now, low-cost streaming services and free digital content have democratized fun. You can watch documentaries, learn a new skill on YouTube, or stream a movie for pennies on the dollar compared to the old cable packages and rental costs. A night of entertainment has never been cheaper.

Access to Information

In the past, staying informed meant paying for a daily newspaper delivery or an expensive cable news package. Today, access to local and global news is largely free.

Public access channels and digital local media have transitioned to free online platforms. You can watch city council meetings, local sports, and community news without needing a cable box. The barrier to knowing what is happening in your own backyard has practically vanished.

Basic Social Activities

Socializing used to be expensive. It often meant dinner out, movie tickets, or club memberships. But a shift in culture has brought back the value of low-cost connection.

Community events, free outdoor concerts, and public festivals have become staples of modern social life. The digital age has also made it easier to organize low-cost meetups, game nights, and hiking groups. We have relearned that hanging out with friends doesn’t have to cost a thing to be valuable.

Progress Pays Off

It is easy to focus on the rising cost of groceries, but it is important to remember these victories. Technology and innovation have quietly worked to make communication, entertainment, and information accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget. It’s a reminder that even in a world of inflation, progress is still putting money back in our pockets.