We tried to move out as soon as we could (and in many cases, had no choice as we were considered "adults" then). It wasn't so bad - everyone had room or housemates, pooled limited resources, often had throwaway scavenged furniture. Heck, we often pooled food to make a balanced meal. Those who had cars were almost always older with frequent repairs. A fun evening would be cooking out on the hibachi and sitting on the porch drinking a jug of $2 wine.
The economic issues with this newer generation are not always their fault. Fifty years ago we didn't need to have expensive cellphones or computers just to be able to LOOK for a job, manage a bank account, or store most of our important documents. Our utilities seemed to be more heavily regulated (like the electric bill didn't have a dozen additional charges/fees/taxes added onto the bill beyond actual service used; our phones still had flat rate monthly service before the "you have to own and pay to service each jack, cord, instrument and extra for touch call" years, and even my water bill didn't have additional $18/mo. for "debt servicing." which seems to be eternal.
Heck, people need several thousand (as in usually $10k or more) to buy an old car with over 100k miles on it today. Then there is the insurance, maintenance costs, etc. And the employment prospects - sending out 100's of resumes, even digitally, is daunting, especially when so many don't even get an acknowledgement or response.
It's been a slow but steady economic squeeze for decades. Even the parents are feeling it, unless they are in the privileged few.
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