These 3 charts highlight the affordability issues Americans worry about most

February 25, 2026

TL;DR

President Trump highlighted a strong economy in his 2026 State of the Union address, pointing to low unemployment and expanding GDP.
Despite official metrics, many Americans are concerned about the rising costs of food, housing, and healthcare.
Food prices, though rising slower, have seen sharp increases for staples like ground beef and coffee.
Housing affordability is a major concern, with a shortage of affordable homes identified as a root cause.
Health care costs are increasing, with premium spikes for those on Affordable Care Act marketplaces and employer-sponsored plans.
The Trump administration's efforts to address these issues, such as tariff exemptions on food imports and the TrumpRx website, have shown limited impact.

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