Going to the movies is becoming a test of what you can afford

In a world where convenience and technology are driving lifestyle changes, going to the movies has become a test of how much you can afford. With the rise of streaming services, higher ticket prices, and costly concessions, the days of going to the movies being an affordable option are over.

For starters, movie theater tickets today are much more expensive than they were in the past. In 2018, the average ticket price for an movie theater ticket was $9. Tallahasse, FL, was the most expensive with an average ticket price of $11.15, while areas of California had the lowest prices closer to $6.50. When you factor in rising costs for child and senior citizen tickets, it’s easy to see why a night out at the movies can be expensive.

Another factor contributing to higher costs at the movies are the concessions. From popcorn and candy to beverages and popcorn refills, concession prices have skyrocketed. In 2010, a large popcorn was just $5.49, but now the prices range closer to $8. The same can be said for a soda. In 2010, you could get away with just $3.75 for a regular sized beverage. Today, the same beverage can cost up to $4.75.

Combining the higher tickets prices with the more costly concessions, it’s no wonder why movie going has become a test of what you can afford. The cost of going to the movies has become so prohibitive that many people have turned to streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu, as an alternative form of entertainment.

In 2018, a survey conducted by the National Association of Theatre Owners found that 71.3% of those surveyed reported streaming services as the reason for their decrease in movie going. With streaming services, viewers can watch the same popular movies at much lower costs. In fact, in 2019 Netflix reported a whopping 158 million subscribers. That’s a 61% increase compared to three years ago.

It’s clear that rising costs of ticket prices and concessions have made going to the movies an expensive option. This has left many people opting for the cheaper and more convenient streaming services. Until movie theater prices become more affordable, going to the movies will remain a financial test of what you can afford.