U.S. Wages Struggle to Keep Up with Inflation Amid Rising Living Costs

The Kobeissi Letter posted on X, highlighting the challenges faced by American households as wages struggle to keep pace with inflation. Since 2020, average weekly earnings adjusted for inflation have increased by only 3.7%, indicating that inflation has eroded most of the income gains for Americans. This situation is compounded by significant increases in living costs across the United States. Utility gas service prices have surged by 56%, electricity prices have risen by 41%, and home insurance costs have climbed by 14% since 2020. Additionally, the prices of used cars and trucks have increased by 30%, while motor vehicle insurance has seen a 56% rise. In contrast, nominal wages have grown by 31.0% during the same period. The disparity between wage growth and the rising costs of essential goods and services underscores the affordability issues faced by many American households. As living expenses continue to rise, the challenge of maintaining financial stability becomes increasingly difficult for the average American.