[Etheryte]

Important to note here that the $200/week figure from 80s is the same as $830/week today due to inflation [0]. Rent and degrees specifically have gone up a ridiculous amount, yes, but as far as the rest of it goes, most students today would jump at the opportunity of having that much disposable income.

[0] https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm

[hexbin010]

Is there a job you can work as a student in Iowa that pays $830/week net in 2026? (I'm from the UK and have no idea about such salaries)

[czhu12]

Not to be that guy who always turns up and points out things aren't that bad, but you can easily rent a 5 bedroom home in Iowa for quite a bit less than 830 / week ($3300 / month) today.

5 bedroom home currently goes for about $2400 / month on Zillow.

I have to think part of the issue is that people no longer want to live in Iowa / LCOL and now prefer NYC / HCOL.

[Etheryte]

You're wrong, you've mixed up the numbers. Their general living expenses were $200/week. Their rent was $200/month, that's $200 for the whole month, not per week.