Ahead of the 2026 midterms, rising costs for essentials like gas, rent, and housing are pressing concerns for voters. The latest inflation report shows a 3.7% increase in consumer prices over the past year, including a 9.1% rise in gasoline prices in September. Utility costs are also increasing, and housing prices continue to climb, presenting challenges for President Trump and Republican candidates as they seek to convince voters of their economic policies.
Key facts
- Consumer prices rose 3.7% over the past year, with a 0.6% increase in September.
- Gasoline prices surged by 9.1% in September.
- Electricity prices increased by 4.4% year-over-year in September.
- The median price of existing homes reached $417,500 in September.
- Tariffs added 2.9 percentage points to consumer-goods inflation, according to a New York Fed study.
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