16 Things Warren Buffett Still Buys Cheap Even Though He Could Afford Anything

Warren Buffett’s net worth exceeds $100 billion, yet his lifestyle remains remarkably modest. Known as the Oracle of Omaha, Buffett consistently favors practical value over conspicuous consumption. He chooses simplicity, durability and habit over luxury, and many of his purchases reflect long-held principles rather than an impulse to spend. Below are the everyday items and routines he deliberately keeps inexpensive.

He Orders Inexpensive Fast Food

Buffett often starts his day with McDonald’s. He even follows a playful rule tied to the stock market: when the market is down he orders a sausage McMuffin, and when it’s up he might get a bacon, egg & cheese biscuit. He keeps exact change in his car’s cup holder and treats his breakfast like a simple, consistent routine.

He Still Lives in the House He Bought in 1958

Rather than moving into a sprawling mansion, Buffett has stayed in the Omaha, Nebraska, home he bought in 1958 for $31,500. The five-bedroom house on a quiet street is, in his words, one of his best investments. He values familiarity and practicality over ostentation.

He Shops for Value at Nebraska Furniture Mart

Buffett prefers straightforward, well-priced furniture and has long been a supporter of Nebraska Furniture Mart, a business he acquired in 1983. He looks for honest pricing and long-lasting quality—a durable recliner that delivers value matters more than designer labels.

He Buys Coca‑Cola by the Case

A devoted Cherry Coke drinker, Buffett has said he drinks several cans a day and buys them in bulk. He treats it like any ordinary shopper stocking up during a sale—practical and predictable.

He Used a Basic Flip Phone Until Recently

Buffett used a modest Samsung flip phone for many years despite owning significant shares in Apple. He didn’t adopt an iPhone until persuaded by Apple’s CEO; even then he tends to use only basic features. To him, communication should be functional rather than flashy.

He Keeps the Same Local Barber

Rather than relying on expensive stylists, Buffett has gotten haircuts at the same modest Omaha barbershop for decades. He values familiarity, straightforward service and the small-town routine of a trusted barber.

He Uses Coupons and Likes to Save

Buffett openly embraces coupons. A well-known anecdote tells of him using a coupon on a McDonald’s date with Bill Gates in Hong Kong. To Buffett, saving a few dollars when there’s no downside is simply sensible, regardless of one’s net worth.

He Avoids Replacing Cars Frequently

Buffett tends to keep cars as long as they run well. His 2014 Cadillac XTS replaced an earlier Cadillac only after many years. He has said he upgrades mainly when his daughter insists; functionality beats frequent upgrades or flashy models.

He Eats at the Same Local Steakhouse

Gorat’s Steak House in Omaha has been Buffett’s preferred spot for decades. He orders the same meal—typically a rare T-bone with double hash browns and a Cherry Coke—preferring familiar food and friendly service over trendy fine dining.

He Manages His Own Investments

Rather than relying on expensive advisors or high-fee funds, Buffett makes his own investment decisions. He focuses on studying businesses, staying disciplined and making long-term bets. That approach minimizes costs and reflects his belief in independent judgment.

He Sometimes Flies Commercial

Although he is associated with NetJets, Buffett has routinely flown commercial when it made sense, especially earlier in his career. He even gave his company’s jet a self-deprecating nickname, underscoring that convenience—not vanity—drives travel choices.

He Keeps a Simple Office

Buffett’s office has stayed deliberately unadorned: books, paper files and a practical layout rather than flashy tech or trendy decor. He prefers an uncluttered environment that suits his work habits and helps him focus.

He Buys Few New Clothes

Buffett prefers simple, consistent suits and rarely chases fashion trends. He has mentioned that his clothing purchases over a decade could fit into a single suitcase—another example of prioritizing utility over constant wardrobe turnover.

He Stays in Mid‑Range Hotels

When traveling, Buffett often chooses comfortable, mid-range hotels rather than luxury suites. He values cleanliness and convenience and doesn’t feel the need to pay extra for extravagant amenities.

He Buys Used Cars with Minor Damage

Buffett has said he prefers cars that serve their purpose without a premium price tag, sometimes choosing used vehicles with cosmetic damage such as hail dents. For him, a car is a tool rather than a status symbol.

He Plays Bridge Instead of Costly Hobbies

Rather than spending on expensive pastimes, Buffett enjoys bridge, often playing with friends online or in person. The game keeps his mind active, socializes him with peers, and costs little—demonstrating that fulfilling leisure doesn’t require an extravagant budget.

Across all these choices, a consistent theme emerges: Buffett values longevity, utility and routine. His frugality isn’t about pinching pennies for their own sake; it’s a deliberate philosophy that prioritizes sensible spending, focused attention and long-term thinking.