I think this is a reasonable observation, but in certain high cost of living areas, and if you're willing to leave to save money in case of trouble, the math is slightly different.

E.g. in SF, you'll pay $3500+ for housing, and salaries are largely adjusted for that level of expense. But your savings are "future money", and you can choose where to spend that. Saving $300 a month, $4k a year, can add up to sums that are significant in a lower cost of living area.

Why the arbitrary comparison with (likely) the costliest outlay? I think it is sound to suggest eliminating gym membership, particularly if under-used. Moreover, it's not optional to pay your mortgage if you have one, gym membership is.

For people who struggle with their finances it's not just the gym membership. It's the gym membership, media subscriptions, daily latte, oversized car(s), holidays abroad, eating out daily, mortgage payments on a McMansion, new phone every year, overflowing wardrobe and on and on. Most people live pay check to pay check.

What you're describing is a lack of impulse control, not anything related to a gym membership specifically.

Yes.

Also $7,200 per decade or 3.5-4 months of mortgage/rent payments. Stack it with other similar cuts, each adds 3-6 months of living expenses. It isn't about the 1 it is about the whole. That said, I can definitely see the QoL argument, the original question tends to accept that QoL trade offs are made for financial gain.

I agree with your "avocado toast" assessment. Plus, for many people, the social aspect of a gym -- even if they talk to no one -- is motivating. Also, the equipment will normally be better and more diverse than you own at home.

But how are you going to eliminate the $2000/mo mortgage? If you sell your house and go rent in the same area at the same home size, you're likely to end up with higher rent than you had mortgage. If your mortgage is outsized for the area or your house is bigger than you need, you're still not going to be saving $2000/mo, it'll be at most in the $100s.