Most Americans Say Climate Change Is Making Life More Expensive. They’re Right

A recent survey by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication revealed that two-thirds (67%) of U.S. registered voters believe climate change is increasing the cost of living, while 64% say it directly affects their monthly expenses. The survey found bipartisan agreement, with 88% of liberal Democrats, 84% of moderate/conservative Democrats, 57% of liberal/moderate Republicans, and even 42% of conservative Republicans acknowledging the link. The findings align with economic research from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), which estimates U.S. households spend an extra $400 to $900 annually due to climate change, with 10% of counties facing $1,300 in additional costs. MIT’s Christopher Knittel, co-author of the study, noted these costs appear across budgets—energy, food, transportation, and insurance—accumulating over time. Energy expenses are the most affected, as extreme weather increases power usage, damages infrastructure, and disrupts supply chains. Utility companies like Florida Power and Light and Portland General Electric have raised bills to cover recovery costs, such as a $12.02 monthly charge in Florida after 2024 hurricanes and a 2.5% increase in Oregon due to wildfires. Water bills are also rising due to droughts and storm damage. Food costs are impacted by crop damage from extreme weather, while transportation and insurance expenses climb due to climate-related disruptions. The survey highlights how climate change’s financial burden is widely felt, cutting across political lines and economic backgrounds.