Groceries, Housing, Utilities, Healthcare and Transportation Now Difficult to Afford for Nearly Half of Americans: Poll

Nearly half of Americans say basic necessities such as groceries, housing, utilities, health care and transportation have become difficult to afford.

A new POLITICO Poll conducted by Public First finds that affordability pressures are affecting both daily expenses and long-term financial decisions.

More than a quarter of respondents, 27%, said they skipped a medical checkup within the past two years because of cost concerns, while 23% said they skipped a prescription dose for the same reason.

Rising costs are also limiting discretionary spending. Thirty-seven percent said they could not afford to attend a professional sporting event with family or friends, and 46% said air travel for a vacation was out of reach.

Food prices topped the list of concerns, with half of respondents saying groceries are difficult to afford. Housing costs ranked close behind, exceeding concerns about health care, utilities and transportation. Health care placed third among overall affordability worries.

The results highlight political challenges for President Donald Trump and Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms. While Trump has said prices are coming down, a majority of respondents blamed his administration for high grocery costs, including more than one-fifth of his own voters.

The poll also showed divisions within the Republican base on issues such as tariffs, housing and health care costs, underscoring how economic anxiety continues to shape voter sentiment.

 

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