How Much the American Dream Costs for Boomers vs. Millennials

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Ohio (exact location unfortunately not known), USA, 1976.

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Achieving the dream was doable, especially in an era of rising wages, affordable housing and employer-backed pensions.

Here is how much parts of the American Dream cost for boomers vs. millennials.

Also seethree things to consider when pursuing the American Dream in 2025.

Adjusted for inflation, thats nearly $195,000 in 2025 dollars.

It noted, however, that these figures can range significantly based on location and other factors.

For boomers, college was a stepping stone.

For millennials, its often a source of decades-long debt.

Boomers benefited from widespread access to defined benefit pensions and more predictable retirement timelines.

However, boomers alsoface retirement challenges.

Social Securitys long-term solvency is uncertain, which could affect younger boomers as well as later generations.

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Achieving the American Dream is technically possible.

However, for millennials, it means facing steeper financial hurdles, from buying homes to planning for retirement.

We risk entrenching inequality not through lack of effort, but through misaligned strategies.

So what can millennials do?

Millennials should start by reframing what wealth means.

Its not always about owning a single-family home; its about flexibility, agency and security, Levy-Lambert said.