Could the Friends cast afford their lifestyles in today’s economy?

The impact of inflation on the cost of living for TV characters from the beloved show Friends has been analyzed by the team at online casino JeffBet. As the show approaches its 30th anniversary, the study compared the characters’ lifestyles in 2024 to their realistic salaries, revealing interesting insights into how they would fare in today’s economy.

Ross Geller, the paleontologist, would have the most expensive lifestyle among the Friends cast, costing him $66,440.64 annually in 2024. His high rent and daily coffee trips were the main expenses, but with an average salary of $280,625 as a paleontologist, Ross could comfortably afford his lifestyle.

Joey Tribbiani, the aspiring actor and foodie, would struggle to afford his lifestyle in 2024, with an average salary of $25,738 leaving him in debt. Rachel Green, despite her fashion career success, would have faced financial difficulties in the earlier seasons of Friends when she worked as a waitress.

Monica Geller, the head chef, would earn an average salary of $84,449 in 2024, allowing her to comfortably afford her lifestyle. Phoebe Buffay, with various jobs including masseuse and busker, would struggle to make ends meet in New York in 2024.

Chandler Bing, after switching careers to become a junior advertising copywriter, would earn an average salary of $79,436 in 2024, comfortably affording his lifestyle. Despite his smoking habit and gym membership, Chandler would have $40,063.36 left over.

The study’s findings shed light on the financial realities of the characters from Friends and how their lifestyles would hold up in today’s economy. A spokesperson for JeffBet highlighted the show’s enduring popularity as a form of escapism for audiences, even as it touches on financial struggles faced by some of the characters. With its mix of humor, friendship, and relatable situations, Friends continues to captivate fans almost three decades after its premiere.