Affordability Remains Americans’ Top Financial Concern Amid Rising Costs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the cost of living continues to impact households across the United States, affordability remains the predominant financial worry for many Americans, according to the latest findings from Gallup’s annual Economy and Personal Finance survey conducted in April 2026. ### Inflation and Energy Costs Drive Financial Anxiety
The survey reveals that 31% of Americans cite inflation and high prices as the top financial problems their families face. Although this represents a decline from a 41% peak in 2024, it remains among the highest levels in more than two decades of Gallup polling. Notably, concerns about energy costs have surged sharply this year, with 13% of respondents identifying it as a major issue—a 10-point increase from last year and the highest figure since 2008. Energy expenses now rank alongside housing costs as the second-most-mentioned financial challenge.
Healthcare expenses continue to be a significant worry as well, with 8% of respondents naming it as a primary issue, consistent with levels observed since 2020. ### Affordability Challenges Span Multiple Areas
When combined, concerns related to inflation, energy, housing, healthcare, college tuition, transportation, and childcare overwhelmingly dominate Americans’ financial anxieties. These affordability concerns outpace all other financial issues by a wide margin.
Other economic concerns mentioned include taxes (6%), the overall state of the economy (2%), the stock market (2%), interest rates (2%), and Social Security (1%). Insufficient income, encompassing low wages and unemployment fears, is cited by 11% of respondents. Debt worries, both general and credit card–specific, account for 7% of concerns, while lack of savings—whether general or retirement-related—are least mentioned.
This marks the fifth consecutive year affordability-related issues have topped the list of financial worries across the nation.
Majority Feel Price Increases Hurt Their Standard of Living
Supporting these findings, a recent Gallup Panel survey found that 55% of Americans reported that recent price increases have negatively affected their ability to maintain their standard of living. This figure has remained relatively stable since 2023, following declines observed in late 2021 and early 2022. ### Financial Outlook Remains Pessimistic
In terms of personal financial assessments, less than half of Americans (46%) describe their current financial situation as "excellent" or "good," while over a third (35%) rate it as "only fair," and 19% say it is "poor." These figures are in line with ratings from 2008 to 2015 and contrast with more positive assessments from 2016 through 2021. Moreover, a record 55% of Americans say their financial situation is worsening, up from 47% in 2024 and marking five consecutive years where more people report a decline rather than improvement. This prolonged negative outlook parallels sentiments seen during the Great Recession.
Persistent Concerns Across Financial Aspects
Specific financial worries remain elevated compared to 2021 levels. Majorities express concern about having enough money for retirement (62%) and covering medical costs in case of serious illness or accident (60%). Over half worry about investment returns and maintaining their standard of living (each at 54%). Nearly half of respondents are concerned about routine healthcare costs, and significant proportions worry about paying monthly bills (41%) and affording college (40%). Housing costs and credit card minimum payments also trouble 35% and 28% of Americans, respectively.
These concerns have generally remained steady over the past year but reflect substantial increases since 2021, especially regarding credit card payments and maintaining a standard of living.
Conclusion
As the burden of rising costs continues to weigh on American households, affordability challenges remain at the forefront of financial worries. Inflation, energy expenses, housing, and healthcare dominate public concern, contributing to a broadly pessimistic financial outlook across the nation.
Gallup’s ongoing research underscores the critical need for policies and solutions aimed at easing the financial pressures faced by families to improve their economic wellbeing.
This report is based on Gallup’s Economy and Personal Finance survey conducted April 1-15, 2026, capturing the financial sentiments of adults across the United States.