Rising living costs are the top concern for U.S. voters heading into Tuesday's midterm elections, but experts warn a shift in congressional control will do little to fix the affordability crisis.
Rent, groceries, electricity, health care and household bills are weighing heavily on American voters, as they decide who to support in the midterms that decide control of Congress.
"They've skyrocketed and it's the administration that's to blame," said a New York resident.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows 47 percent of registered voters consider the cost of living to be the single most important factor in deciding how they will cast their ballot.
Still another survey shows about two in five Americans say they have no money left after paying monthly bills.
While Republicans have delivered temporary tax deductions for those eligible on tips, overtime and social security for some seniors, recent polling indicates the vast majority of Americans disapprove of U.S. President Donald Trump's handling of the economy. Even fewer think he's doing a good job when it comes to the cost of living.
"I think the current administration needs a fresh change, a new start, a different person, somebody who I think perhaps a bit younger and somebody who a bit more in tune," said another New York resident.
A bipartisan majority blame Trump's tariffs and ongoing war with Iran for the soaring cost of food and fuel. Nicholas Economides, a professor of economics from the Stern School of Business with the New York University, agrees.
"What really is driving present inflation has been the Middle East conflict and in particular the high price of oil and other petroleum products," he said.
For younger voters aged 18-34, a recent survey shows the high cost of housing is the top political issue ahead of grocery prices or even protecting democracy.
Susan Wachter, a professor of real estate and finance of the Wharton School under the University of Pennsylvania believes Trump's tariffs, immigration policies and higher fuel costs have driven up the cost of building homes, but warns there's a bigger obstacle to affordable home ownership.
"Interest rates are high, which is what is driving mortgage rates high. This is a national problem that Democrats and Republicans would need to make major transformative changes in spending and taxes," she said.
Economides agrees bipartisan fiscal discipline is necessary to bring down the cost of living.
"A continuously growing debt because of large deficits is not going to be a solution for the United States. It's dangerous," he said.
Both note while an election will offer Americans a choice, affordability will take more to achieve than just a change in who controls Congress.
"It's not something that is going to be solved this election cycle," Wachter said.
Trump won election in 2024 in part because of his campaign promise to lower prices, which had also increased during the term of his predecessor Joe Biden.
"I don't think either political party have done a good job in managing the economy," said a New York resident.
Rising living costs top voter concerns ahead of US midterm elections
Rising living costs top voter concerns ahead of US midterm elections
