Question 1

How many Americans struggle with expenses?

Accepted Answer

According to Census HTOPS data (March 2026), 19.77% of Americans find it somewhat or very difficult to pay for usual household expenses. 12.23% find it somewhat difficult and 7.54% find it very difficult.

Question 2

What is expense difficulty?

Accepted Answer

Expense difficulty is measured by the Census HTOPS survey asking how difficult it is to pay for usual household expenses such as food, rent, mortgage, car payments, medical expenses, and student loans. Responses range from "not at all difficult" (47.54%) to "very difficult" (7.54%).

Question 3

Which regions have the highest cost of living?

Accepted Answer

Census HTOPS data shows the West North Central division (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD) reports the highest expense difficulty rate at 87.71%, followed by Middle Atlantic (82.94%) and East North Central (82.67%). These reflect the percentage reporting at least "a little" difficulty with expenses.

Question 4

How does unemployment affect cost of living?

Accepted Answer

Unemployment directly impacts household ability to meet expenses. Census HTOPS shows 56.64% of adults are employed, and expense difficulty correlates with employment status. Regions with lower employment tend to report higher rates of difficulty paying for basic expenses.

Cost of Living Difficulty by State

Expense Difficulty & Price Changes

How Difficult Are Expenses?

Price Changes (Last Month)

Expense Difficulty by Region

Top 15 States by Unemployment (BLS)

Understanding Expense Difficulty

What's Measured

Key Findings