Story perspectives

70% of Americans Face Unaffordable Living Costs Crisis

12/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Marist poll finds 70% of Americans say living costs are unaffordable, signaling an affordability crisis.
Consumer sentiment fell 29% from 2024, even as annual inflation declined.
Prices for essentials rose, with coffee up nearly 19% and beef up about 15%.
Housing costs rose over 14% since September 2023, and medical costs increased nearly 7%.
Experts say middle and lower-income earners are not overspending, but rising living expenses challenge them.

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Story summary

A Marist poll finds 70% of Americans say living costs are unaffordable, signaling an affordability crisis.
Consumer sentiment fell 29% from 2024, even as annual inflation declined.
Prices for essentials rose, with coffee up nearly 19% and beef up about 15%.
Housing costs rose over 14% since September 2023, and medical costs increased nearly 7%.
Experts say middle and lower-income earners are not overspending, but rising living expenses challenge them.