Deloitte: Gen Z and Millennials Delaying Their Future Due to Financial Pressures

Having a house, getting married, building a family, and continuing education were once considered essential milestones to achieve during one’s productive years.

However, for many young people today, these goals seem increasingly distant.

Amidst rising living costs, soaring house prices, and prolonged economic pressures, many young people are choosing to say: not now.

A survey involving more than 22,500 Gen Z and millennials in 44 countries found that the cost of living is the biggest concern for both generations for the fifth year in a row.

Concerns about the cost of living even outweigh issues such as unemployment, security, politics, and the environment.

A total of 38 percent of Gen Z and 42 percent of millennials place the cost of living as their primary concern at this time.

More than half of respondents admitted to postponing important decisions such as getting married, having children, starting a business, or continuing their education.

A total of 55 percent of Gen Z and 52 percent of millennials said they were delaying major life decisions due to their financial situation.

“The cost of living is my biggest concern because prices continue to rise while wages do not, causing economic damage and the loss of ability to buy what we want,” said Khalil, a millennial respondent in the survey, quoted from the Deloitte report, Sunday (17/5/2026).

The majority of respondents admitted that house prices and affordability influence their career decisions, including where they work.

A total of 69 percent of Gen Z and 64 percent of millennials said that the availability and price of housing have a direct impact on their job choices.

Meanwhile, 51 percent of Gen Z and 40 percent of millennials admitted to feeling unable to afford a house.

“Our income has indeed increased, but the idea of being able to buy a house feels impossible with interest rates and things like that. Currently, we will spend much more money on a smaller house,” he continued.

A similar sentiment was expressed by Mel, a millennial respondent who believes that house prices are now increasingly unaffordable, even for basic needs.

“My main concern is the cost of living. House prices have increased so rapidly, especially to get a house in a good and safe environment, it is almost unaffordable,” he said.