Can American families afford the current prices of iconic holiday movie homes?

Christmas movies are perennial must-sees. From “Home Alone” to “Miracle on 34th Street,” these films showcase now-iconic homes where characters celebrate the season’s joys. We may dream of living in these houses, but could today’s average American afford to buy one of these homes?

Several modern challenges hamper housing affordability, and residences depicted in classic Christmas movies are no exception. One primary contributing factor is the significant increase in real estate prices relative to household incomes. Over the years, surging housing costs have outpaced the growth of incomes for many families. Simultaneously, high interest rates on home mortgages present a notable obstacle. Although homes are not considered liquid assets, they make up a large part of the average American’s net worth.

A Financial Freedom Countdown study compared the cost of six classic holiday movie homes with today’s average income to determine their affordability.

FILE - This brick house in Winnetka, Ill., seen Friday, May 6, 2011, was featured in the 1990 movie "Home Alone". (AP Photo/ Nam Y. Huh File)

Home Alone (1990)

Address: 671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, IL

“Home Alone” follows the misadventures of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, whose family accidentally left him behind after heading to Paris to visit family. Initially reveling in his newfound freedom, Kevin soon faces a pair of bumbling burglars and devises elaborate traps to protect his home. Filled with comedy, heartwarming moments, and Kevin’s ingenious schemes, the holiday classic showcases the power of resourcefulness and the importance of family.

All parts of the movie, including the famous airport scene, were filmed in Illinois, and the Georgian home on a half-acre lot has an estimated price of $5.25 million. Although Winnetka is home to a few billionaires and has a median income of $250,100, the estimated monthly payments of $32,708 are unaffordable for the average American. The home was listed for sale this year and is currently pending under contract.

The Family Stone (2005)

Address: 144 Riverside Ave, Riverside, CT

“The Family Stone” portrays the Stone family’s eventful holiday reunion. The eldest son, Everett, brings his girlfriend, Meredith, home to meet his eccentric, tight-knit family. However, Meredith’s attempt to fit in with the Stones causes numerous challenges, leading to humorous and touching moments as family dynamics unravel.

The Connecticut home currently has an estimated value of $4.1 million — close to its 2008 price — while the median household income in Riverside is $250,000. In the movie, however, Everett Stone works on Wall Street. Meredith is a successful businessperson, and since starting a business is one of the best ways to get rich, they could afford to buy this lavish home.

FILE - This Dec. 15, 2008, file photo shows the house, left, where the 1983 movie "A Christmas Story" was filmed in Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File)

A Christmas Story (1983)

Address: 3159 W. 11th Street, Cleveland, OH

“A Christmas Story” is the nostalgic and humorous tale of young Ralphie Parker’s quest for the ultimate Christmas gift — a Red Ryder BB gun — despite warnings about its potential danger.

Set in 1940s Indiana, the film follows Ralphie as he navigates school, family dynamics, and his persistent campaign to secure the coveted present. With a blend of humor and heartwarming moments, the movie captures the essence of childhood dreams and the joys and challenges of the holiday season.

Although the movie takes place in Indiana, the iconic home is in Cleveland, Ohio, where the median income is $37,351. Although the home is off the market, its current estimated price of $164,673 is unaffordable for most residents in the county.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Address: 4587 Viro Rd, La Cañada Flintridge, CA

“It’s a Wonderful Life” tells the story of George Bailey, a compassionate, dedicated banker who manages Bailey Building and Loan in the small town of Bedford Falls. On Christmas Eve, facing financial ruin and disillusionment, George contemplates taking his life. However, a guardian angel intervenes, revealing George’s profound impact on his community. Through a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and redemption, the film celebrates the significance of kindness, love, and the effect of one’s life on others.

Although Flintridge, California, has a higher household income of $210,625 per the United States Census Bureau data, the home featured in the movie has an estimated value of $2.29 million, making it unaffordable.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Address: 24 Derby Road, Port Washington, Long Island, NY

“Miracle on 34th Street” tells the heartwarming story of Susan Walker, a skeptical young girl who encounters Kriss Kringle, a man claiming to be Santa Claus, at Macy’s department store during Christmas. As Susan’s disbelief in Santa Claus is challenged, her wish for a house and a father figure becomes entwined with Kringle’s mission to restore her belief in the holiday spirit.

Homes like those on Susan’s wishlist are barely affordable for Long Island residents, listed at around $1.1 million.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Address: 727 West Kenneth Road, Glendale, CA

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” chronicles the misadventures of the Griswold family as they eagerly prepare for an extravagant Christmas celebration. Patriarch Clark Griswold anxiously anticipates his holiday bonus from his boss, Frank Shirley, hoping to install a swimming pool for his family. However, chaos ensues when Frank unexpectedly suspends bonuses, thwarting Clark’s perfect holiday plans and leading to a series of hilarious and chaotic mishaps.

Although most of the movie was filmed at the Warner Bros. Studio set, Frank’s home is in Glendale, California. Based on the current estimated purchase price of $4 million, its owners would pay $13,678 monthly. Although the movie does not mention specific details of Frank’s high-level executive position, the home would be unaffordable today based on the average income.

Economic Realities Limit Housing Access

In examining the affordability of iconic Christmas movie homes, it’s evident that the dream of owning these nostalgic residences remains elusive for many middle-class Americans today.

Soaring home prices, compounded by high mortgage interest rates, are formidable barriers as household incomes struggle to keep pace with the rapid rise in property costs. This financial reality leaves only a select few of these cinematic dwellings within reach, highlighting the widening gap between the charming celluloid representations and the challenging economic landscape faced by families striving to achieve such holiday magic in their homes.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.