People in the 1970’s bought different things than people do today. In the 1970’s people bought more formal clothing (e.g. suits) and formal dinnerware than people today. They bought more wrist watch’s and slide rules.
But if you add up all the plusses and minuses the two income family today has less disposable income then the single income family in the 1970’s when you exclude the cost of transportation, healthcare, childcare and housing.
It turns out one of the biggest drivers of home prices is school quality and income potential. So two cars for two jobs in a place you can find them and housing and childcare to ensure that children are safe.
But if you add up all the plusses and minuses the two income family today has less disposable income then the single income family in the 1970’s when you exclude the cost of transportation, healthcare, childcare and housing.
It turns out one of the biggest drivers of home prices is school quality and income potential. So two cars for two jobs in a place you can find them and housing and childcare to ensure that children are safe.