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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]College costs have increased massively since the boomers were college aged
Healthcare costs have increased massively 
The cost of raising a child has gone up significantly
The cost of a car has outpaced inflation
Housing costs have outpaced inflation and income
Rents have outpaced inflation and income

How are those things better now than they were for boomers?[/quote]

1. Healthcare today is leaps better then 30-40 years ago. People want those services.
2. People choose to spend more raising a child. The cost of my childhood was a few toys, some cheap sports equipment, cheap clothes, and food. The price for these is probably less today adjusted for inflation. Parents choose expensive activities.
3. Cars are way safer today. Safety features plus luxury items in cars (electronics etc) are what increases the cost. The same 80s car could be produced today for a similar price but nobody would buy it because it would be the worst and most dangerous new car on the road.
4. Houses have doubled in size, prices have as well. That is a choice.
5. Not sure about rents, never researched it.[/quote]

You are neglecting the large increase in cost of childcare which is for most families not a choice.  https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/11/why-child-care-so-expensive/602599/  The increase in childcare far outweighs the increase in expenditures in more optional things like toys and extracurriculars.  Cost of childcare is way above the cost of my PhD program (admittedly at a top 10 state university...)  -  actually double the current tuition...

The rise in housing prices is more complex than that.  At least in my area - there is considerable NIMBY to building more concentrated housing - most of the concerted oposition is by homeowners wishing to perserve the character of their neighborhoods - this is one area where primarily boomers are responsible for decreased supply which contributes to the high cost housing.  There is also the problem of competition from foreign investors who pay cash crowding out first time home buyers who need to rely on mortgages.  "double size houses for double the price" is not the issue here.  I live in a considerably smaller square foot space than my parents did at my age. Zero rent control so experienced my rent increasing by $700 or 36% (over 5 years...) [/quote]

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