The cost of living tops Americans' concerns one month before the midterm elections
According to the Pew Research Center, 74% are very concerned about gas and energy prices, while 73% cite the cost of food and consumer goods as one of their top concerns.
Image of a supermarket
The cost of living remains among Americans' top concerns one month before the midterm elections in November. Prices for gas, energy, food, health care and housing account for much of the economic anxiety, as assessments of the country's situation worsen and expectations grow that economic conditions may deteriorate over the next year.
This is revealed by a survey by the Pew Research Center conducted between Sept. 28 and Oct. 4, 2026, among 5,062 U.S. adults. The study shows that 74% of respondents are very concerned about gas and energy prices, up from 60% in July and 43% in January, before the war with Iran.
Food and other consumer goods also rank high: 73% say they are very concerned about their prices. Next are the cost of health care, at 69%, and housing, at 66%.
Economic concerns also extend to the labor market. Forty-eight percent of Americans are very concerned that people who want to work will not be able to find jobs, four percentage points more than in July and 19 points above the October 2022 figure.
Tariffs: Another economic concern
Opinions vary by political affiliation. Among Republicans, 40% believe the tariffs will have a mostly positive impact, down from 49% in January and 52% in August 2025. Meanwhile, 26% believe the tariffs will be harmful, nine points more than at the beginning of the year.
Among Democrats, 83% foresee a negative effect of the tariffs on the country.
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