The cost of living in the US weighs on Latino voters as economic discontent grows

Rising Living Costs in the US Are Increasingly Affecting Latino Voters

The cost of living in the US – Living costs in the US have surged, creating a palpable impact on Latino voters as financial stress intensifies. In a bustling Bronx market, 60-year-old Dominican grandmother Esmeralda Roustand navigates the checkout counter, her expression marked by exhaustion. She carries a modest selection of two orange juices and a simple chicken meal, noting the steep price tags with a weary sigh. “There’s almost $20 in here and basically nothing,” she remarks, encapsulating the struggle of many. For Roustand, the rising expenses stretch beyond groceries, making it difficult to afford an apartment in a city where rent has climbed sharply. As a home health aide, she sends portions of her income to relatives abroad, yet the relentless increase in food, transportation, and housing prices leaves her grappling with personal and familial needs.

Financial Burden Reshapes Daily Life

Stories like Roustand’s reflect a broader trend among Latino communities, where the cost of living has become a defining concern. A recent CNN survey highlights that inflation and soaring prices dominate the conversations of voters in the midterm election season. While 70% of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s economic policies, over 70% of respondents express dissatisfaction with his handling of inflation and fuel costs. This sentiment resonates strongly within the Latino population, which bears a heavier share of financial burdens compared to other groups.

“No matter how much you try to stretch your money, you just can’t anymore because it’s not enough,” Roustand said.

For many, the effects of inflation are immediate and visible—smaller grocery bags, tighter budgets, and the cancellation of once routine plans. Juan Galván, a college student in New York, describes how he now prioritizes essentials over social activities. “Every month, I have to decide whether to eat out or pay rent,” he explains. “I’ve had to adjust when I can go out with friends and often stay home to save money.” His experience aligns with that of others who are forced to recalibrate their spending, often sacrificing gatherings or leisure to meet basic requirements.

These pressures ripple through cultural practices, altering traditions once cherished. María Sofía González, an Ecuadorian mother, notes the loss of small indulgences. “We’ve had to give up certain little pleasures,” she says, referencing outings that are now considered a luxury. Her words underscore how inflation isn’t just an economic issue but a force reshaping the everyday routines of Latino households, with a significant portion of income dedicated to essentials like food and energy.

Systemic Challenges Intensify Financial Strain

Experts highlight structural factors that amplify the impact of the cost of living on Latinos. Michael Negrón, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, explains that Hispanic households spend a larger share of their income on food—nearly 15%—and energy costs, which average around 8%. These figures are higher than the national average, making the rise in prices particularly acute. When gas prices soar, as they have in recent months, the strain becomes even more pronounced.

Transportation costs also play a critical role. Latino families often rely on cars, and longer commutes add to their financial strain. “When gas prices go up 40% or 50%, it affects everyone, but Latinos feel it more,” Negrón adds. This dynamic is evident in the stories of those like José Rosario, a seven-year employee at Hamilton Meat Market in Upper Manhattan, who observes customers buying fewer items. “Before, with $100, you could fill a cart. Now, you carry items in hand with just two small bags,” he says, illustrating the shift from abundance to scarcity in the face of rising costs.

“A year ago, papaya was 99 cents a pound. Now it’s $1.99, and lemons are two for a dollar. Before, you could buy five for that price,” Rosario said.