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

Cost of Living Pressures Latino Voters as Economic Concerns Rise

Economic Struggles Impact Latino Communities

The cost of living in the US – Rising cost of living in the US is increasingly shaping the economic priorities of Latino voters, with daily expenses becoming a mounting source of anxiety. For instance, Esmeralda Roustand, a 60-year-old grandmother from the Dominican Republic, recently left a New York grocery store with only a small bag of groceries. “There’s almost $20 in here and basically nothing,” she said, referring to a modest meal of two orange juices and a simple chicken and green banana dish. Her situation reflects a widespread struggle as essential goods grow more expensive, forcing families to choose between basic needs and discretionary spending.

“No matter how much you try to stretch your money, you just can’t anymore because it’s not enough,” Roustand explained, highlighting the added pressure of supporting relatives in her home country. With two adult children and three grandchildren still living on the island, she faces the challenge of covering both local and international costs. “You can’t afford an apartment because they’re extremely expensive,” she added, underscoring how the cost of living affects not just personal budgets but also the broader financial well-being of Latino households.

Structural Factors Amplify Economic Strain

The growing cost of living has deepened existing disparities, with Latino families often spending a larger share of their income on essentials. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hispanics dedicate nearly 15% of their budgets to food, compared to the national average of 12%. Additionally, energy costs, including gas prices, have risen sharply, placing further strain on households. A recent CNN poll found that 70% of Latinos disapprove of President Donald Trump’s economic leadership, with over 70% expressing dissatisfaction over inflation and gas prices. These figures reveal that the cost of living is no longer an abstract issue but a pressing reality for many.

“Every month, I have to check whether I can afford to eat out or whether I have enough to pay rent,” shared Juan Galván, a college student in New York. “I have to adjust when I can go out with friends and basically stay inside just to justify all the money being spent on my apartment.” His account illustrates how the cost of living has forced families to reallocate resources, often at the expense of social activities and personal comfort.

Experts note that structural factors, such as geographic distribution and wage gaps, make Latino communities more vulnerable to inflationary pressures. Michael Negrón, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and former White House economic adviser, pointed out that the cost of living disproportionately affects Hispanics. “They spend a larger share on food and energy, and these costs have surged significantly,” he said. This reality has led to a shift in consumer habits, as families seek to balance their budgets amid rising prices.

Shifting Consumer Behavior in Grocery Stores

Changes in purchasing habits are evident in local stores, where the cost of living has reshaped how customers approach shopping. At Hamilton Meat Market in Upper Manhattan, José Rosario, a seven-year employee, observed a noticeable trend. “Before, with $100, you could fill up a shopping cart,” he recalled. “Now you carry the items in your hand with just two little bags.” These adjustments reflect a growing emphasis on affordability, as families prioritize essential items over non-essentials.

“A year ago, papaya was 99 cents a pound. Now it’s $1.99 a pound,” Rosario said. “Sometimes people ask for it to be cut into pieces so they can afford to take some home. And lemons are two for a dollar—before, you could buy as many as five for that price.” These examples underscore how even small price increases can have a significant impact, forcing households to make tough trade-offs in their daily lives.

For María Sofía González, an Ecuadorian mother, the cost of living has disrupted family traditions and altered daily routines. “This has affected us in so many ways,” she remarked, describing how the rising prices have changed how her family manages resources. “We’ve had to give up certain little pleasures, like buying extra groceries or going out for meals.” Her experience highlights the broader impact of the cost of living, which extends beyond individual households and influences the community’s collective economic outlook.