Why is it that when rich people get their hands on something good, it pretty much immediately becomes the worst?
What was once fun, affordable, or simply normal often turns into an overpriced, exclusive trend that everyday people can no longer enjoy. Whether it’s housing, food, or even hobbies, the ultra-wealthy have a way of taking things that were once for everyone and making them feel completely out of reach. Here are just some of the things rich people have completely ruined — if we listed them all, we’d be here for months!
1. Housing
Once upon a time, buying a house wasn’t a fantasy — it was an achievable goal for anyone with a steady income. Now, thanks to property investors, second-home owners, and landlords hoarding multiple properties, homeownership feels like a pipe dream for many people. Luxury developments and “buy-to-let” investments have driven up prices to the point where even renting is barely affordable. Ordinary people are being priced out of their own communities, while wealthy buyers snap up homes they rarely even live in. The result? Sky-high rents, entire streets of empty investment properties, and younger generations who may never afford a place of their own.
2. Festivals
Music festivals used to be about the music, the experience, and maybe a bit of mud. Now, they’re playgrounds for influencers and VIPs willing to fork out thousands for “glamping” packages and exclusive backstage lounges. Once-affordable events like Glastonbury or Coachella have become dominated by premium ticket tiers, corporate sponsorships, and Instagram-worthy “experiences” that have nothing to do with the actual festival. The days of rocking up with a cheap tent and a few mates are long gone — unless you’re willing to survive on pot noodles for months to afford the ticket.
3. City centres
Once upon a time, city centres were for everyone. People lived there, worked there, and enjoyed a mix of independent shops, markets, and affordable places to eat. But as the rich started moving in, things changed. Luxury flats and high-end brands have taken over, pushing out small businesses and locals. Chain stores and overpriced coffee shops now dominate high streets, while housing in city centres is so expensive that regular people have to commute for miles just to get to work. Cities are losing their character, and instead of being vibrant and diverse, they’re starting to feel like exclusive playgrounds for the wealthy.
4. Vintage fashion
Thrift shopping was once a budget-friendly way to find unique clothes and save money. But now that rich people have decided “vintage” is trendy, second-hand shops have been raided, and prices have skyrocketed. What was once an affordable way to dress has become an expensive industry, with resellers charging ridiculous amounts for clothes that used to cost a fiver. Good luck finding a bargain when every charity shop now has “curated vintage collections” with price tags that make high street fashion look cheap.
5. Coffee shops
There was a time when grabbing a coffee was a simple, affordable pleasure. Then came the rise of expensive “artisanal” coffee shops, where a basic latte costs as much as a meal, and you feel judged if you don’t know what single-origin beans mean. Independent coffee shops used to be cosy, welcoming spaces. Now, many have turned into minimalist, soulless cafés with uncomfortable seating and overpriced oat milk flat whites. And if you want an ordinary cup of tea, forget it — you’re getting a “hand-selected organic infusion” in a tiny pot that costs triple what it should.
6. Subscriptions
Remember when you could just buy something and own it? Now, everything’s a subscription, from streaming services to gym memberships, and it’s largely thanks to rich people realising they can make more money by charging people forever instead of just once. Want to listen to music? Pay monthly. Watch TV? Another subscription. Even software that used to be a one-time purchase now requires a never-ending payment plan. What started as a way to access entertainment has turned into a money drain that adds up fast.
7. Camping
Camping used to be a cheap way to escape and enjoy nature. Then rich people got involved, and now it’s all about “glamping,” luxury lodges, and expensive outdoor gear. Basic campsites have been replaced with sites charging hundreds per night for a fancy tent with fairy lights. Meanwhile, traditional campsites are increasing their prices because people expect “experiences” instead of just a patch of grass. What was once a budget-friendly getaway now costs as much as a hotel stay.
8. Gym memberships
Gyms were once places where you could pay a reasonable fee and work out. Then boutique gyms popped up, promising exclusive classes, high-end facilities, and “personalised wellness journeys” — all for the price of a second-hand car. Basic memberships are disappearing as gyms add luxury extras that push up the price. Meanwhile, pay-as-you-go options have become rare, meaning if you want access to decent equipment, you’re locked into an expensive contract.
9. Food trends
It seems like every affordable meal eventually becomes an overpriced trend. From avocado toast to oat milk, the moment something gains popularity, the price mysteriously jumps. Take sourdough bread — it used to be a basic, inexpensive staple. Now, thanks to rich foodies and trendy bakeries, a single loaf can cost over a fiver. Even simple dishes like mac and cheese or fish and chips are being turned into “gourmet experiences” that cost three times as much as they should.
10. Concerts
Going to a gig used to be an affordable way to see your favourite artist live. Now, ticket prices are outrageous, thanks to VIP packages, platinum pricing, and scalpers inflating costs. Instead of paying a fair price, fans are now forced into a bidding war just to get a decent seat. What was once an accessible experience has become something only those with deep pockets can afford.
11. Airbnb
Airbnb started as a budget-friendly alternative to hotels. Then rich people realised they could buy properties, turn them into full-time rentals, and charge outrageous prices. Now, many cities are cracking down on Airbnb because locals can’t find affordable places to live. Instead of helping travellers save money, it’s become another way for investors to push up housing costs while offering overpriced, poorly managed rentals.
12. Skincare
Source: Unsplash Skincare used to be about simple, effective products. Then the luxury market got involved, and suddenly, you need a 12-step routine and hundreds of pounds’ worth of serums just to keep your skin from “ageing prematurely.” Basic moisturisers that used to be affordable have been rebranded as “luxury hydration systems,” and even sunscreen now comes with a premium price tag. Rich people have turned skincare into an expensive industry rather than something accessible for everyone.
13. Beaches
There was a time when beaches were free and open to everyone. Now, many popular coastal areas are being bought up by the wealthy, who either privatise them or build expensive resorts that limit public access. In some places, locals who have lived near beaches for generations are being priced out, while holidaymakers are charged ridiculous fees for sunbeds, parking, or just stepping onto the sand.
14. Holidays
Travel used to be something most people could afford with a bit of saving. Now, thanks to rising hotel prices, luxury tourism, and the impact of influencers, even budget destinations are expensive. The moment a hidden gem gets “discovered” by the wealthy, prices skyrocket, and suddenly, a once-affordable trip costs a small fortune. Meanwhile, locals in these destinations are often priced out of their own communities, forced to cater to wealthy tourists instead of enjoying their own country.
