In 1950, most cities also still had functional streetcar/bus systems that would take people downtown, and schools within walking distance. People didn't have f

In 1950, most cities also still had functional streetcar/bus systems that would take people downtown, and schools within walking distance. People didn't have fancy sneakers but shoes were usually made with a Goodyear welt to be rebuildable and long-lasting, and such shoes usually cost hundreds of dollars today. Sears and similar stores sold durable, American-made clothing— visit a vintage store some time (acknowledging survivorship bias, though). Houses were also small in 1950 because the housing pipeline was essentially clogged up from 1929 to around 1950, due to depression and war. Housing also was a much smaller percentage of most families' consumption baskets at that time, as well— there was a lot of buildable land at the edge of major metro areas, and the capital-GDP ratio was low so asset prices were low. Working-class (evolving into lower-middle-class) employment was much more stable in 1950, and stability is a big part of being middle class. It's not really possible to live a 1950s lifestyle today, since a significant proportion of lifestyle comes from living around, and being respected by, peers. And from the better availability of stability in employment, which one cannot get via personal finance.