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

Nearly Half of Americans Struggle to Afford Basic Necessities, New Poll Shows

A recent POLITICO Poll conducted by Public First has revealed that nearly half of Americans are finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities such as groceries, housing, utilities, health care, and transportation. This affordability crisis is impacting both daily expenses and long-term financial decisions for many individuals.

The survey found that 27% of respondents had skipped a medical checkup in the past two years due to cost concerns, while 23% had forgone a prescription dose for the same reason. Rising costs are also impacting discretionary spending, with 37% stating they couldn’t afford to attend a professional sporting event with loved ones, and 46% finding air travel for a vacation to be out of reach.

Food prices emerged as the top concern, with half of those surveyed expressing difficulty in affording groceries. Housing costs followed closely behind, surpassing worries about health care, utilities, and transportation. Health care ranked third among overall affordability concerns.

These findings pose political challenges for President Donald Trump and Republicans as they gear up for the 2026 midterms. Despite Trump’s claims that prices are decreasing, a majority of respondents held his administration responsible for high grocery costs, with over 20% of his own supporters sharing this sentiment.

The poll also shed light on divisions within the Republican base regarding issues like tariffs, housing, and health care costs, illustrating how economic anxiety continues to influence voter attitudes.

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