6 Things Warren Buffett Still Buys Cheap Even Though He Could Afford Anything
Warren Buffett is worth over $100 billion, yet he still spends like someone clipping coupons. His habits are all about principle. The Oracle of Omaha believes in choosing value over luxury, even when money’s no object. These are the surprisingly frugal things Buffett still buys at a low price, by choice.
He Orders Cheap Fast Food
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Buffett starts his mornings with McDonald’s, and the man has a system. If the market’s down, he gets a sausage McMuffin. If it’s doing better, he might splurge on a bacon, egg & cheese biscuit. His car’s cup holder even has exact change ready.
He Lives in the Same House He Bought in 1958
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In the 1950s, Buffett purchased his house in Omaha, Nebraska, for $31,500. It’s a cozy, five-bedroom home on a quiet street that he calls the third-best investment he’s ever made. No sprawling estates or oceanside compounds.
He Buys Discount Furniture at Nebraska Furniture Mart
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Instead of shopping at high-end designer stores, Buffett sticks to his long-standing love for Nebraska Furniture Mart, a company he purchased back in 1983. He appreciates their honest pricing and no-nonsense style. For him, a good recliner is about the value and durability it offers.
He Drinks Coca-Cola by the Case
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Buffett drinks around five cans of Coca-Cola a day—Cherry Coke, specifically. He buys it in bulk, just like any regular shopper stocking up during a sale. He even joked once that he gets about 25% of his daily calories from Coke.
He Uses a Flip Phone (Until Recently)
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Until 2020, Buffett was using a $20 Samsung flip phone. Despite being a major Apple shareholder, he didn’t carry an iPhone until Tim Cook himself persuaded him. And even now, he only uses the basic features. For Buffett, staying in touch doesn’t mean buying the latest shiny device every year.
He Gets Haircuts at the Same Modest Barbershop
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Forget celebrity hairstylists and deluxe salons; he’s been visiting the same barber in Omaha for decades. Just a standard, small-town barbershop where a trim might cost $18. The experience is about sticking to simple routines, such as getting a clean cut from someone familiar.
He Uses Coupons—and Brags About It
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Buffett isn’t shy about coupons. He once used one on a date with Bill Gates at McDonald’s in Hong Kong. That story became legendary. A man with tens of billions in the bank flashing a paper coupon? That’s not penny-pinching—it’s seeing no shame in saving a couple bucks when possible.
He Avoids Buying New Cars Frequently
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Buffett’s 2014 Cadillac XTS replaced his previous Cadillac after nearly a decade. When asked about it, he said he only replaces cars when his daughter tells him it’s time. He doesn’t see a point in buying something fancy when the current one still runs great.
He Eats at the Same Steakhouse
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A humble, family-run joint, Gorat’s Steak House in Omaha is Buffett’s go-to. It’s where he’s been eating since the 1940s, ordering the same thing: a rare T-bone, double hash browns, and of course a Cherry Coke. These are all familiar flavors in a place with friendly service and no need for reservations.
He Does His Own Investing—No Costly Advisors
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Unlike those paying for exclusive financial services, Buffett makes his own investment decisions. He doesn’t need flashy hedge funds or high-fee advisors. He sticks to what he knows—analyzing companies and making long-term bets. He trusts his judgment, an approach that’s direct and cheap, as it’s all about reading and research.
He Flies Commercial—Sometimes
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Although he owns a private jet company (NetJets), Buffett did not even name his own jet until he reluctantly started using one. He famously nicknamed it “The Indefensible.” When possible, especially in earlier years, he flew commercial and occasionally does when it makes sense logistically.
He Keeps His Office Unchanged
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Buffett’s office isn’t decked out with modern tech or trendy designs. It’s full of old books and paper files, without giant screens. He prefers a setup that hasn’t changed much since the ’70s, due to its functional, familiar nature, and, most importantly, it works for him.
He Rarely Buys New Clothing
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The practical Buffett often wears the same simple suits, many of which are tailored by a Chinese designer he’s known for years. Chasing fashion trends or wearing expensive labels isn’t his thing. He once joked that he could fit all his clothing purchases from the past decade in one suitcase.
He Stays in Affordable Hotels
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When traveling, Buffett doesn’t automatically book five-star suites. He’s comfortable in mid-range hotels, often staying at places like the Holiday Inn. Once, while staying in a hotel with Bill Gates, he picked the cheaper room without hesitation. Comfort and cleanliness matter to him, not marble bathtubs or pillow menus.