Latino Families Face Soaring Costs as Inflation Hits Food, Gas, and Housing

Latino New Yorkers say everyday expenses now exceed wages, forcing cuts to meals, transport, and housing. Shoppers such as Esmeralda Roustand leave grocery aisles with only a few items despite a $20 budget.

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an 8 % CPI rise in April, the highest in three years, while annual inflation was 3.8 % for the same month. Gasoline now exceeds $4.50 per gallon, and rental costs remain unaffordable for many. Housing costs have surged, with many renters describing apartments as extremely expensive and beyond their reach.

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Home-health aide Esmeralda Roustand says she cannot stretch her paycheck. Student Juan Galván must choose between eating out and rent. Butcher José Rosario notes shoppers now buy only a few items. Mother María Sofía González reports family outings have stopped, and Yuberkis Suriel says small cravings now cost $40-$50.

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Latino households spend about 15 % of income on food and 8 % on energy, above national averages. A pound of papaya rose from $0.99 to $1.99, and lemons doubled in price. These changes align with the 8 % CPI increase and $4.50-plus gasoline.

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Michael Negrón, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and former Biden adviser, says the inflation surge hits Latinos hardest because a larger share of their income goes to essentials. He adds that higher fuel costs strain families who rely on cars for long commutes. He also notes that wage growth has lagged behind price increases.

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A CNN poll shows 77 % of Americans blame President Donald Trump’s policies for rising prices, and over 70 % disapprove of his handling of the economy and inflation. Negrón warns that unmet expectations among Latino voters could sway the 2026 midterm elections. Latino voters, who turned out in record numbers for this president, may prioritize cost-of-living concerns.

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Sources differ on inflation: one report cites an 8 % CPI rise for April, while another records annual inflation at 3.8 % for the same period. Both figures appear without reconciliation.

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• “There’s almost $20 in here and basically nothing,” — Esmeralda Roustand, Dominican mother, New York

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• “Latinos are being particularly affected by the inflation we’re seeing,” — Michael Negrón, senior fellow, Center for American Progress

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• “Before, with $100, you could fill up a shopping cart, but now you carry the items in your hand with just two little bags,” — José Rosario, butcher, Upper Manhattan

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• “We’ve had to give up certain little pleasures. Going out, for example. Whenever we could, we used to go out with the family for walks around the city or to eat at a restaurant, but we’ve had to cut back on those kinds of expenses,” — María Sofía González, Ecuadorian mother, New York

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As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Latino voter sentiment on cost-of-living issues is expected to shape campaign narratives and could pressure policymakers to propose targeted relief measures.

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