Michael Panzner observes that while wages have kept pace with the cost of many goods and services over the past 20 years, Housing, Higher Education, and Medical Care are what are squeezing consumers.

Its pretty astounding that Energy doesn't make the top 3 over 20 year period.

As one of the comments notes, what this really talks to is the squeeze on the middle class. Those are the staples for upward mobility when they are affordable. Price out higher education while increasing educational requirements for good jobs (hello global economy) and you either rise or fall based on what economic position you find yourself in. Generally, fall.