Lifestyle Trend:Discover lifestyle trends, travel ideas, and practical tips related to Lifestyle Trend: How to Have a Luxury Lifestyle on a Budget You Should Know – You Should Know
Luxury usually comes with a price tag sporting too many zeroes for the average person. First-class flights, Broadway shows, designer cookware, tailored clothes, and spa-like bathrooms are supposed to be reserved for people with deep pockets.
But according to a viral thread on Reddit in the r/Frugal community, a growing number of regular people say they’re pulling off those same “rich people” experiences for a fraction of the cost.
Thousands of users shared how they’ve managed to live what looks like a high-end lifestyle while sticking firmly to a budget. In my circle, we like to call this “ballin’ on a budget.” The strategies vary, but the theme is consistent: Spend smarter, not bigger.
Travel Like a High Roller
For many, travel is where luxury feels most out of reach. But commenters shared ways they fly, stay, and explore without shelling out premium prices.
One Redditor with a family of four said they use travel credit cards strictly for perks — airport lounge access, miles, and statement credits — then pay the balance off in full each month. Another Redditor mentioned selling those same perks to balance things out. For instance, if they earn tickets on StubHub, they will resell them rather than using them.
Others described flying internationally or in first class for shockingly low prices by being flexible. One traveler said they routinely flew to Europe for around $300 round trip, then hopped around using budget airlines and cheap hotels. Another said they booked flights home from Hawaii during the Super Bowl, when demand (and prices) dropped.
And some luxury moments cost almost nothing at all. One commenter admitted they’d visit high-end beachfront hotels abroad just to grab a drink, enjoy the views, and soak up the atmosphere, then head back to a budget stay nearby. “It felt super luxe,” they wrote. “For basically the price of a beer.”
Thrifting for the Win
Housing and furnishings were another area where people said appearances can be deceiving.
Several commenters described filling their homes with high-end furniture and cookware bought for “pennies on the dollar,” often from wealthy sellers who simply wanted things gone. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, and affluent neighborhoods came up again and again.
One person furnished their home almost entirely from Craigslist, including a chair and ottoman originally priced at $8,000 that they snagged for $100. Another landed a $5,000 chair and a $1,500 ottoman for just $60. Kitchen splurges followed the same pattern. One commenter said they own nearly 25 pieces of Le Creuset cookware, all bought cheaply from someone who decided they wanted a new color scheme (what a dream).
“Getting secondhand stuff from rich people is the move,” another user wrote. “They often barely used it.”
Looking Expensive Is a Skill
One Redditor said they own an entire wardrobe of silk and cashmere, all thrifted for under $7 a piece. Another said they thrift luxury handbags and shoes, noting that “no one knows how long you’ve owned something.”
Others took it a step further by learning why certain items are considered luxury. One user explained how researching materials, construction methods, and original manufacturers led them to better-quality alternatives than modern brand-name versions, often for less money.
The Real Trick
When it comes to “ballin’ on a budget,” it’s all about being intentional. Throughout the Reddit thread, that was the general theme among commenters.
They waited. They researched. They bought secondhand. They learned skills. They focused on what actually made an experience feel special instead of chasing labels or trends. You don’t have to spend more for a life of luxury. Sometimes knowing where to look and when not to pay full price is all you have to wrap your head around.
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