Cost of living between 2000 and 2019: Inflation has played a big part in shrinking the American middle class

``College tuition and fees are up a staggering 163% since 2000... medical care is up 93% since 2000... Energy is up 88% since 2000 and this is factoring the boom and bust of this sector... areas that are non-essential are down relative to the CPI:  apparel, recreation, and education and communication (non-college education).  So while we hear people slamming on Americans for being spenders just look at these areas.  Many people have cut back on non-essentials.  But areas that are essential are eating up a larger share of income.  Many don't have this savings so they are using student loans to fund college and credit cards to pay bills.''