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Bitcoin standard vs fiat: the affordability crisis unpacked

A Drop in Home Prices or a Spike in Income? | The Fairness of Bitcoin vs. Fiat Money

By

Vitalik Buterin

Sep 27, 2025, 05:35 AM

Edited By

Liam Murphy

3 minutes of duration

A visual comparison of Bitcoin and Fiat currencies highlighting affordability crisis
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A recent discussion highlights the stark contrast between the Bitcoin standard and the current fiat monetary system. Users argue that for housing affordability to revert to pre-2019 levels, home prices would need to plummet by 38% or household income must surge by at least 60%. This debate raises critical questions about financial equity and economic stability in 2025.

The Growing Affordability Crisis

As inflation and money printing escalate, affordability remains a serious issue. Users on forums contend that with the ongoing free flow of money by governments and banks, the economic gap is only widening. As one user noted, "$4 trillion printed and essentially free mortgages for 2 years did this."

Bitcoin's Unique Proposition

Supporters of Bitcoin argue that had individuals priced their lives in Bitcoin and converted their funds years earlier, they would now be finding homes easily. Comments echo this sentiment, with one user saying, "This is the Bitcoin standard. Hope this clears things up. Happy to help."

"Bitcoin may outlive the United States. We are in collapse stage of society, not decline."

This assertion highlights skepticism about the ongoing stability of fiat currency compared to cryptocurrency.

Key Themes from User Feedback

  1. The Void in Value: Many believe the gap caused by excessive money printing hinders wealth accumulation for future generations.

  2. Bitcoin's Stability: Users express confidence that Bitcoin will retain value in the long run, despite current fluctuations.

  3. Economic Downfall: There’s a belief that fiat currency is nearing collapse, with many urging individuals to prepare for a shift toward cryptocurrencies.

Insights and Quotes

  • β–³ 60% income increase necessary for housing market recovery.

  • β–½ "The gap will keep getting only bigger" - Concerns about inflation.

  • β€» "Bitcoin will probably outlive the United States" - A stark warning.

As the debate continues, many users appear more optimistic about Bitcoin than the fiat system. They assert that Bitcoin could provide a more equitable standard for financial transactions and saving, while the traditional system erodes under pressure from inflation and monetary policy missteps.

Moving Forward

With the ongoing economic discourse, will more people advocate for a return to hard assets like Bitcoin? As pressures mount on affordability, the notion that Bitcoin might be a fairer alternative is gaining traction fast.

Insights on the Economic Terrain Ahead

There's a strong chance that as the affordability crisis deepens, more individuals will advocate for transitioning from fiat to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Experts suggest that if housing prices do not drop by 38% or if household incomes do not rise by 60% within the next few years, the economic pressure on families will only intensify. Many predict a surge in interest towards hard assets, with estimates indicating that up to 30% of people may begin investing in Bitcoin as an alternative savings method by 2026, driven by the hope that cryptocurrencies could provide a level of financial stability that government-backed currencies might not.

A Fresh Historical Perspective

In the late 1920s, individuals in America were initially optimistic about the resilience of traditional banking systems. However, when the Wall Street Crash occurred in 1929, many lost faith in financial institutions and turned to alternative methods for securing their wealth, such as gold. This phase marked a crucial shift, leading to a newfound emphasis on tangible assets amid economic turmoil. Today, the struggles faced by households resemble that pivotal moment in history, as people may soon seek refuge in Bitcoin much like their ancestors once did with gold, reflecting an ongoing quest for security against the backdrop of economic uncertainty.