The earnings of 25-to-34-year-olds who work full-time are lower today for both sexes in almost every educational attainment group than they were in 2000. Men with a bachelor's degree are earning almost 9% less in inflation-adjusted dollars than their 2000 counterparts and women 7.5% less. Even both men and women with a master's degree are earning less.
With lower earnings and increased college loans, higher medical and other living expenses, there's less available disposable income that can be spent on out-of-home entertainment and leisure experiences. When they do go out, these young adults want to make sure their money is well spent on quality experiences.