How Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a New Car

In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna examine why wage growth is finally outpacing the cost of new cars. With average hourly earnings rising to $37.50 in May 2026 and new car transaction prices plateauing after years of increases, the affordability equation is shifting. They break down the numbers: how median usual weekly earnings of $1,204 now cover more of a typical car payment than they did three years ago, and why dealer inventories and financing rates still matter. They also talk about the May 2026 core inflation reading of 3.4 percent and what it means for car buyers. If you've been wondering whether now is a better time to buy a car than during the pandemic, this episode gives you the data to decide. #Wages #CarPrices #Inflation #NewCar #Affordability #WageGrowth #AutoIndustry #EconomicRecovery #ConsumerSpending #CostOfLiving #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #LucasAndLuna #Cars #VehicleMarket #PayRaises #PurchasingPower Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo