In 2022, inflation in the United States reached one of its highest levels, hitting 9.1% amid a recovery after a pandemic that greatly affected economic activity; However, monetary policies by the Federal Reserve have helped control inflation, bringing it close to the 2% target. Although the inflation rate has fallen in recent years, the cost of living remains high, affecting the American middle class most of all, who continue to struggle with the high prices of food, goods, and services. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, the middle class is defined as those earning between two-thirds and two-thirds of the median income in the United States, which is equivalent to between $55,820 and $167,460 annually. Currently, inflation, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), remains at 3%, and the areas where the greatest pressure has been felt are food, healthcare, childcare, and housing. Food: According to BLS data, the cost of food has skyrocketed to... 3.1%, according to a survey conducted by Axios, more than half of Americans say food is more expensive than a year ago. Families have opted to eat at home, as eating out also increased by 3.7%.

Healthcare

The average American household felt the strain on their wallets this year due to medical expenses that reached up to $1,514 per person, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). This represents an increase of up to 3% compared to recent years.

Childcare Services

The costs of raising a child, as well as paying for childcare, increased by 22% from 2020 to 2024, according to data from Childcare Aware of America. Families are paying up to $1,094 a month for this service.

Housing

One of the most important goals for a family, such as,Owning a home has become increasingly difficult, especially for lower and middle-class families who, with rising property prices, have opted to withdraw from the market, leaving renting as their only option; however, rental costs have also increased this year due to high demand.