Americans Predict 2065, And It Sounds Awful For Most People

Survey Suggests People Will Rent ‘Forever,’ Have Robot Roommates, And Need $3.5 Million To Retire

NEW YORK — What will life look like in 2065? Americans predict a future where most people rent forever, average homes cost nearly $700,000, and retirement becomes impossible for many.

A survey of 2,000 Americans examined generational predictions for the next 40 years, revealing stark expectations about housing, work, and aging in America.

The research, conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by LevLane, found that nearly half of Gen Z (48%) thinks retirement won’t be an option for most people in 40 years. More than half (51%) believe a digital alternative will emerge to meet the needs of people who can’t afford traditional elder care.

The End of Homeownership?

Currently, just 41% of survey respondents own their homes. Among those who don’t, only 35% believe they’ll ever own property. A quarter (25%) expect to rent for life.

When asked about future housing costs, Americans predicted the average home will cost $682,120 in 2065. That’s a whopping $272,020 more than today’s average.

To afford this future, respondents think the average household will need to earn $508,950 annually in 2065, compared to today’s $80,610.

Work and Technology Predictions

Americans are less optimistic than Bill Gates about dramatically shorter work weeks. While the Microsoft founder predicts we could work just two days per week within a decade, survey respondents estimate people will work closer to 30 hours or four days per week by 2065.

Other bold predictions for 2065 include:

• Society run by 100% digital currency (39%)
• Biometric payment methods (36%)
• Households managed by smart home AI (35%)
• Robot roommates, housekeepers, or caregivers (32%)
• Implanted health monitors (30%)

Retirement Crisis Ahead

A quarter of respondents (25%) don’t believe retirement will be financially possible, estimating Americans would need $3.54 million to retire in 2065.

More than a third (38%) said the next generation will likely be worse off financially than previous generations. Nearly two-thirds (64%) agreed that today’s younger generations will have worse retirement experiences than baby boomers.

Factors contributing to poor future retirement prospects include concerns about medical expenses (26%), inability to fully retire due to rising costs (24%), and lack of personal savings (22%).

Gen Z’s Different Vision for Golden Years

Younger Americans envision retirement very differently than the luxury communities favored by baby boomers.

Twenty-nine percent of Gen Z wants to spend retirement with family, watching future generations grow. Twenty percent hope to travel the world and space, while 17% want hobby farms with animals and gardens.

Notably, one in six Gen Z respondents (16%) want to live off the grid, away from technology, while 15% prefer co-living communities with friends.

“This research offers a striking look at how Americans, especially younger generations, are reimagining the future,” said Kelly Sizemore, chief growth officer at LevLane. “From housing and health care to income and retirement, people are clearly preparing for a world where traditional milestones are being reshaped by technology, cost pressures and cultural shifts. But, these insights don’t just highlight anxieties, they also reveal how people expect innovation to rise and meet evolving needs. It’s a call to brands, institutions and policymakers to listen, adapt and lead with empathy and foresight.”

The findings reflect a generational shift in values, according to Chris Moreira, chief creative officer at LevLane. “The picture painted here isn’t just about economic uncertainty — it’s about a shift in values,” said Moreira. “Younger generations are signaling that the future they imagine isn’t rooted in excess, but in connection, flexibility and purpose. Whether it’s redefining retirement, rethinking ownership or embracing new technologies, the challenge — and opportunity — lies in designing a future that reflects these evolving priorities.”