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USC Dornsife Magazine

Everyday Life: 1776 vs. 2026

From survival to comfort and convenience: 250 years of dramatic gains in living standards.
June 23, 2026

Home / Privacy

etching of a house

Then
1-2 Room Cabin
7 People
No plumbing, electricity, central heating or air conditioning

 

house emoji

Now
Multi-Room Home
2.5 People
Plumbing, electricity, central heating, air conditioning, internet, phone service

 

Travel / Speed

etching of horse Then
Horse
5 mph-10 mph
Days to travel

 

plane emojiNow
Airplane
500+ mph
Hours to Travel

Communication / Speed

etching of hand holding envelope

Then
Letter
Days to Weeks

mobile phone emoji

Now
Text / Email
Instant

Most Common Jobs

etching of farmer

Then
Farming

woman technologist emoji

Now
Services/Tech

Average Income

etching of money bag

Then
$3,800 a year
(in today’s dollars)

Now
~$70,000 a year

Food cost as share of household income

etching of a loaf of bread
Then
40%-70%

salad emoji
Now
~10%