New report says almost half of Americans cannot afford true cost of living
Hunter
11/06/26
A new report developed by the Urban Institute shows how Americans are struggling to afford the cost of essentials, with over half of the country’s residents unable to make ends meet.
The Des Moines Register reports the affordability tracker used by the report monitors multiple local indicators, from the cost of buying a home to debt delinquency rates.
Iowa typically enjoys lower overall numbers compared to the rest of the nation, but increases have still hit residents hard.
Statistics indicate the average price of a gallon of gas is up 54 percent from February 2025; health insurance premiums are up 17 percent compared to last year.
Other increases compared to last year include housing up 2 %, groceries up 5%, Child care with a 4% raise, and electricity up 2 percent.
A link to the study can be found below.