95%of Americans believe in the affordability crisis

According to a new Harris Poll conducted for The Guardian, nearly all Americans believe the United States is facing a cost-of-living crisis, while about half say they are struggling to afford basic necessities like groceries and gasoline. The survey of more than 4,100 adults found 95 per cent believe the country is experiencing an affordability crisis, despite unemployment remaining relatively low and stock markets continuing to post record highs. Researchers say worsening views of the economy have accelerated since February as inflation and higher energy prices continue to strain household budgets ahead of this fall's midterm elections.

The poll found 57 per cent of Americans now believe the economy is getting worse, a number that is up from 46 per cent in February. Just 16 per cent said conditions are improving, compared with 28 per cent claiming the same earlier this year. Respondents also reported declining confidence in their own finances, with growing numbers saying their personal financial security has worsened over the past several months. Researchers linked much of that shift to rising fuel prices following the conflict involving Iran, which has increased costs throughout the economy and placed additional pressure on household budgets already stretched by inflation.

Affordability crisis crossing party lines

Financial pressure extended across political affiliations. Roughly half of Democrats, Republicans and independents said they were having difficulty paying for groceries and gasoline, suggesting affordability concerns are no longer concentrated within a single voting bloc. The survey also found that two-thirds of Americans have little confidence that the federal government will improve the cost-of-living crisis. Even among Republicans, who have generally expressed greater optimism since President Donald Trump returned to office, nearly half said they have little faith that Washington will lower everyday costs.

Trump supporters are starting to doubt

The findings also point to growing unease within Trump's political base. In February, 49 per cent of Republicans believed the economy was improving. That figure has now fallen to 27 per cent. Meanwhile, the share of Republicans who believe the economy is getting worse increased from 22 per cent to 38 per cent over the same period. The change coincides with higher gasoline prices, persistent inflation and growing concern over household expenses despite continued job growth and strong financial markets. Researchers describe the shift as one of the survey's most significant findings.

Debt defaults on the rise?

The affordability concerns extend well beyond groceries and fuel. About half of respondents said they are struggling with debt payments or worry they soon will be. Similar numbers reported difficulty paying for housing, healthcare and utility bills. Among voters identifying with the MAGA movement, 61 per cent reported trouble affording groceries, while 63 per cent said gasoline costs had become a financial burden. More than half also expressed concern about debt, housing and healthcare expenses, illustrating that economic pressure has reached many of the president's core supporters.

The survey also examined who Americans believe is responsible for rising prices. Many respondents pointed to government policy, while others cited inflation, international conflicts and broader economic conditions. The Guardian noted that rising energy prices following tensions in the Middle East have contributed to higher transportation and consumer costs. Inflation has also slowed expected interest rate reductions, keeping borrowing costs elevated for homeowners and businesses. Together, those factors have offset much of the economic optimism created by low unemployment and continued gains in financial markets.

Voters still divided over parties

Despite growing frustration with economic conditions, voters remain divided over which political party is better positioned to respond. Among Americans experiencing financial stress, 26 per cent believe Democrats would do a better job addressing affordability, while 25 per cent favour Republicans. More than one-third said neither party has presented a credible solution to rising living costs. Independents were particularly pessimistic, with many reporting worsening personal finances while expressing little confidence that either major party will significantly improve affordability in the near future. With Americans heading to the polls for midterms soon, the affordability crisis will certainly be a major deciding factor for disenfranchised voters.