The ‘Home Alone’ house would be worth some 400% more today

Real Estate

By Mary K. Jacob

In a world where 1990s holiday movie magic meets real-life economics, the McCallister family’s adventures in “Home Alone” have left audiences wondering: Just how much did their extravagant trips and lavish home truly cost?

Just in time for Christmas, Looper’s recent findings reveal a staggering surge in curiosity, with a mind-blowing 4,850% increase in Google searches for “How much is the Home Alone house worth?”

Nestled in Winnetka, Illinois, the McCallisters epitomize prosperity and a life of financial stability.

But the burning question remains: what was the price tag for such an affluent lifestyle in 1990 and today?

To crack this yuletide enigma, Looper tapped into a network of experts spanning finance, travel, real estate and job recruitment, aiming to unveil the financial secrets behind the “Home Alone” family’s escapades. Here’s a look at what they found.

A French fantasy

Delving into the McCallisters’ escapade to Paris, for instance, the numbers paint a picture of extravagance. For their jaunt during the peak Christmas season, flight costs from Chicago to Paris in 2023 tallied up to a staggering $45,149 for 11 economy seats and four first-class tickets.

Adjusting for inflation, this fictional voyage would have gouged Kevin’s uncle’s pockets by $63,208 in the ’90s.

But hold onto your Santa hats — that price doesn’t even cover lodging and other Parisian indulgences.

Miami bound

Switching gears to “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” the family swaps continents for the sunny shores of Miami.

Although a domestic affair, the trip still racked up a hefty bill, hitting $11,228 in 2023, considerably more palatable than the ’90s dent of $15,719.

Yet, it doesn’t end there; thanks to Kevin’s antics, a detour to the Big Apple added around $3,746 in 2023, or $5,244 in the ’90s.

Combining both flights, the overall cost came to about $14,974 in 2023 or a staggering $20,963 in the ’90s.

The McCallister Mansion

As for the infamous McCallister abode, experts estimate a jaw-dropping jump in value.

Back in 1990, this six-bedroom haven nestled in Winnetka commanded a price tag of $620,000, requiring an annual income of $175,000 to sustain.

Fast-forward to today, and the same property skyrockets to a jaw-dropping $2.3 million — over 400% of its original cost. The actual “Home Alone” house fetched nearly $1.6 million in 2012.

For aspiring buyers eyeing this cinematic gem, a daunting down payment of $466,977, a staggering 20% of the property’s value, stands as the entry gate to this slice of movie history.

The home was briefly listed on Airbnb last year as a Christmas special.

In a world where holiday cheer meets fiscal reality, the McCallisters’ escapades were no cheap affair.