Both you and parent’s comments are correct.

1) child care (schools and crap). Especially schools.

2) unemployment insurance

3) move out from expensive cities (where restaurants are)

4) immigrantions is stopped / shifted

5) people found different jobs

6) people living more frugal

7) people starting their own business

8) retiring

I personally saw each of the above. One’s political affiliation will ranks them differently…