Once upon a time, $40 could cover dinner, dessert, and maybe even a movie. These days? That same $40 barely covers the cost of a regular grocery run. Inflation hasn’t just crept in quietly. It’s barged into every aisle and left price tags looking like they belong in a luxury boutique.
The real shocker? Some of the most basic household items now cost more than a decent night out on the town. While dinner for two still isn’t exactly cheap, what you’re spending on everyday goods might be even more outrageous. Here are 14 store-bought items that now cost more than a classic date night.
Name-Brand Laundry Detergent
Laundry Day is now a wallet buster. A large bottle of name-brand detergent, such as Tide or Gain, can cost up to $25, depending on the store and location. If you prefer the pods or hypoallergenic versions, you can expect an even higher price. It’s just detergent, but it’s quietly eating into your monthly budget in a big way.
A Cart of Eggs and Bacon
The humble breakfast-for-dinner combo isn’t so humble anymore. A dozen large eggs averaged $5.12 in April 2025, down from a high of $6.23, but still over 79% higher than prices a year earlier, and a single pack of bacon easily hits $7 or more if you’re grabbing the thick-cut or uncured kind. Add bread, butter, and juice to the mix, and you’re spending more just to recreate a diner special in your kitchen. Not quite the budget-friendly meal it once was.
Premium Ground Coffee
Your favorite bag of coffee beans or even the pre-ground version is no longer the cheap pick-me-up it once was. CBS News reports that the retail price of ground coffee hit an all-time high of $7 a pound in January. Factor in creamer, filters, or flavored syrups, and your homemade cup might start to rival that café latte after all.
Diapers and Wipes
Parenting has never been cheap, but these days, even the basics are brutal. Parents.com says the average cost of a diaper is $0.20 to $0.30. Assuming your baby uses 2,500–3,000 diapers in their first year of life, you can expect to spend about $500-$900 on an annual supply. Add a pack of wipes, and suddenly you’ve spent more than you would on dinner, dessert, and a babysitter.
A Block of Cheese
Fancy cheese? Sure, you expect it to cost more. But even basic cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella have climbed in price. A decent block of cheese from the deli section can now hit $10 to $15 without blinking. Try putting together a cheese board, and you might wish you had just gone out for appetizers instead.
Protein Powder or Meal Replacement Shakes
Trying to stay healthy? You’ll pay for it. A container of high-quality protein powder often costs between $35 and $60, especially if it’s plant-based or labeled “clean.” Add in a shaker bottle or mix-ins like almond milk or fruits, and your “simple” health routine is starting to rival a fancy brunch.
Toilet Paper in Bulk
Remember when buying toilet paper in bulk was a smart, money-saving move? Now, a large pack from a warehouse club can cost $30 to $40, depending on the brand. That’s a whole lot of cash for something that gets flushed away. And it’s not even something you can skip for a week to save money.
Olive Oil
A good bottle of extra virgin olive oil used to feel like a kitchen upgrade. Now it’s practically a splurge. Popular brands can run from $15 to $25, and if you prefer organic or imported, that number jumps even higher. It’s the kind of basic cooking staple that suddenly feels like a luxury item.
Over-the-Counter Cold Medicine
Getting sick already feels like a punishment, but try checking out with some name-brand meds. A bottle of cough syrup, plus pain relievers and decongestants, can quickly add up to over $40. That’s before you even factor in tissues, tea, or throat lozenges. And unlike a date night, there’s zero enjoyment involved.
Cat or Dog Food
Feeding your pet the “good stuff” now costs about as much as feeding yourself. A medium bag of quality dry dog food or a case of canned cat food can easily cost $30 to $60, especially for grain-free or protein-first formulas. Your furry friend eats better than you do some nights, and you’re footing the bill.
Dishwasher Pods and Cleaners
If you want spotless dishes, you’re going to pay for them. A pack of dishwasher pods can cost over $25, and that’s not including the rinse aid or a machine cleaner you probably need every month or so. By the time you’re done, you’ve spent more on cleaning your dishes than eating off them.
A Basic Skincare Routine
Even a no-frills skincare routine, face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen can cost well over $50 if you’re buying recognizable brands. Add an eye cream or serum, and you’ve officially spent more than you would on a spa day. Taking care of your skin is smart, but it shouldn’t feel like a luxury purchase.
Cooking Oil and Butter
They’re kitchen basics, but their prices say otherwise. A bottle of avocado, canola, or sunflower oil can run $12 to $20, and a tub of butter isn’t far behind. Put them in your cart together, and you’re already looking at a $30+ charge for two ingredients that don’t even make up a full meal on their own.
Cereal and Milk Combo
Cereal used to be the budget breakfast, easy, fast, and cheap. Now? A box of name-brand cereal can cost $7 to $10, and a gallon of milk hovers around $5 in many states. That “quick breakfast” is edging toward $15, and that’s if you skip the fruit, granola, or yogurt extras. It’s no longer the bargain meal it once was.
