Ben Keenan, a content creator based in Seattle, caught the attention of many when he shared a TikTok video discussing whether it would be more cost-effective to live in an all-inclusive resort than in his current apartment. Keenan compared his monthly expenses in Seattle, around $4,000, to the cost of staying at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. He found that he could potentially live in a high-quality resort for only $450 more than his current expenses. The viral clip has garnered over 7 million views and sparked a debate among viewers.
Keenan shared that the idea of living at an all-inclusive resort stemmed from conversations with friends about living somewhere sunny and by the beach for a lower cost than their current city expenses. He mentioned that comparing the costs of staying at a resort versus his monthly expenses in a big city like Seattle was surprisingly close. The post resonated with many individuals who feel burdened by rising living costs and bills, with around 60 percent of Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck and rental costs continuing to increase.
The United States is facing a persistent cost-of-living crisis, with stagnant wage growth and rising inflation impacting many American families. The rental market has also been affected, with rents experiencing a 3.5 percent increase compared to the previous year. This trend, while slightly slower, still puts pressure on renters and those looking to rent due to factors like high demand and construction limitations. Urban areas are particularly affected by rising living costs, with affordable housing becoming increasingly out of reach for average incomes.
Experts like Jason Anbara, President of NorthLend Financial, highlight that the average living costs have grown significantly, especially in big cities where rent prices are surpassing what is affordable for many individuals. Economic shifts, a slowdown in housing construction, and inflation are contributing factors to the affordability crisis. In Minneapolis, for example, costs have risen drastically, with gas prices jumping by 40 percent overnight and other expenses like food, rent, and electricity also seeing significant increases. The lack of salary growth to match these rising costs has led to widespread discontent and stress among the population.
As individuals grapple with the impact of rising living costs, innovative ideas like living in all-inclusive resorts or negotiating with hotels for more permanent stays are emerging as potential solutions. The conversation sparked by Ben Keenan’s viral post sheds light on the challenges many face in maintaining their current living standards in the face of economic uncertainties. Newsweek continues to explore unconventional perspectives and seek connections in the pursuit of common ground amidst the evolving landscape of living expenses and financial pressures faced by many in the United States.
