Living Like the McCallisters: What It Costs to Match the ‘Home Alone’ Lifestyle Today

Interesting Facts
By Aria Moore
ⓒ completegardening.com

The classic holiday movie “Home Alone” showcased a lavish lifestyle that many viewers admired.

The McCallister family’s spacious mansion, luxury cars, and extravagant vacations were all part of the charm. But what would it cost to live like the McCallisters today?

In this post, we’ll take a nostalgic yet insightful look at the expenses involved in replicating their affluent lifestyle in today’s economy.

1. The Iconic McCallister Home: Then and Now

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The McCallisters’ home, a five-bedroom, six-bathroom property in Winnetka, Illinois, is one of the most recognizable movie houses.

  • 1990 Cost: Estimated at under $1 million, which was expensive for its time.
  • 2024 Cost: Listed at $5.25 million.

Owning this home today would require a monthly mortgage payment of $34,000, assuming a 20% down payment and a 7% interest rate. Financial advisors estimate that an annual income of $1.2 million would be necessary to comfortably afford it.

2. Cars in the Driveway: A Sign of Status

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The family drove two relatively new cars for their era:

  • 1986 Buick Electra Estate Wagon: Worth $40,000 today.
  • 1990 Buick LeSabre: Valued at $40,000 in today’s dollars.

While modest compared to modern luxury vehicles, owning two nearly new cars reflects a lifestyle of financial confidence and a desire to maintain appearances.

3. Feeding the Family

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Pizza Night: Feeding the Family

The McCallisters famously ordered 10 pizzas the night before their Paris trip, costing $122.50 in 1990.

  • 1990 Cost: $122.50.
  • 2024 Cost: Approximately $275–$300, adjusted for inflation and modern prices.

This recurring expense for a large family adds up, signaling a willingness to indulge in small luxuries.

4. The Paris Vacation

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The Paris Trip: A Family Vacation on a Budget

The family’s Christmas trip to Paris wasn’t entirely funded by Peter and Kate McCallister. Peter’s brother, Rob, covered the airfare, which would cost:

  • Economy Tickets: Around $25,000 for 15 family members.
  • First-Class Tickets: As much as $55,650, with individual tickets costing $8,528 during peak holiday travel.