Is Minimalism Even Possible Anymore Amidst a Cost of Living Crisis?

Or is it only for the top 1%?

Minimalism and I have been at… odds lately.

With the cost of living continuing to rise, I’m really beginning to wonder if a minimalist lifestyle is actually achievable for us regular folks (aka those without 6+ figure salaries).

Yes, minimalism is about consuming less. But, and this is more important in my opinion, it’s also about doing less. Leaving the hustle, enjoying your life, saying bye to busy, etc.

It’s the second part of the minimalist equation that really doesn’t seem feasible anymore.

So many people (myself included) are barely able to meet their basic needs as it is with full-time jobs, and probably a side hustle or two on the side. This makes turning down opportunities in the name of living a more simplified, minimalist life, a really difficult choice to make (and one really only available to those with substantial economic privilege).

For the sake of backing up my argument with facts, let’s take a look at some math.