As 2025 comes to a close, CBS News/YouGov poll found health care costs are rising as a top concern for Americans, above food and housing. Overall, most Americans believe the United States is an expensive place to live, but drilling in on what specific expenses cause voters stress is essential for next year’s Midterm Elections. This insight reveals which issues could play a bigger role in victory or defeat.
By The Numbers:
Thirty-six percent of Americans said “health care” costs were difficult to afford. Forty-four percent said they could afford health care costs, but it was not easy, and 20% of Americans said they could “easily afford” health care costs.
Housing was the next difficult expense for Americans. Thirty-three percent said housing costs were difficult to afford; 44% said they could afford housing costs, but it wasn’t easy, and only 23% said they could afford housing costs.
Food was the third basic item Americans said they were struggling with. Twenty percent of Americans said they found food difficult to afford; 52% said they could afford food, but it was not easy; and 28% said they could afford food costs.
The Bottom Line: Campaigns ignore voters’ cost of living anxieties at their own peril. One poll does not define an election; however, a trend shows where the electorate is moving. There have been several data sets now that show health care, housing, and food prices to be the top issues for voters. Campaigns ramping up for 2026 must take note.
