"We Make $180,000 a Year and Still Can't Afford a House" — A Millennial's Housing Nightmare

On paper, Brian and Amanda Chen are successful. He's a senior software engineer earning $120,000. She's a project manager earning $60,000. Together, they make $180,000 a year. They have no credit card debt. They have a healthy savings account. They have excellent credit scores. And yet, they still can't afford a house in their hometown of Denver, Colorado.

"It's insane," Brian told YEET Magazine. "We make more money than our parents ever did. But we can't even afford a starter home."

The Chens have been looking for a house for two years. They've been outbid on more than a dozen properties. The homes they can afford are either too small, too far from work, or in need of major renovations.

"We're not looking for a mansion," Amanda said. "We just want a safe, comfortable place to raise our future family. And we can't find anything."

The Chens' story is a reflection of a national crisis. Housing prices have surged over the past decade. The median home price in America is now over $400,000. In many cities, it's even higher. Student loan debt is also a major barrier to homeownership.

Trump says Europe is dying, but in many European countries, housing is more affordable than in the U.S.

Supply shortages are another factor. There aren't enough homes being built to meet demand. Zoning laws and construction costs have slowed new development.

"We're thinking about moving to a smaller city," Brian said. "Maybe Austin or Nashville. Somewhere we can actually afford to live."

But even that feels like a compromise. "We shouldn't have to leave our hometown just to afford a home," Amanda said. "Something is broken."

What You'll Learn in This Article

• A real story of housing unaffordability
• Why young adults can't afford homes in 2026
• The role of supply, demand, and interest rates
• How student loan debt affects home buying
• Alternative housing options

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