Americans are getting less happy with their commutes

The Ipsos Consumer Tracker asks Americans questions about culture, the economy and the forces that shape our lives. Here's one thing we learned this week.

Why we asked about Americans' satisfaction: It seemed a good time to check in with America not just on the geopolitical/socio-economic Vibe Check we do each wave, but to get a read on a more existential “how ya doin’?” 

What we found: Turns out we’re doing OK in most cases. Most Americans say they are satisfied with their home, family, car, kitchen, job, boss, company, income (less so, but still majority), and just “life in general.” All of that is consistent with last year with one glaring exception. There has been a 13-point fall-off in our satisfaction with our commutes. That’s no wonder, traffic is as bad as ever or worse than ever in most every U.S. city. Not only that, as many continue to work hybrid, you really feel the difference between the daily grind and the entire lack thereof on the work-from-home days.

More insights from this wave of the Ipsos Consumer Tracker:

More Americans say their employer aligns with their political beliefs

People are split on whether news coverage of AI is favorable

Fewer Americans are cutting back on dining out

The Ipsos Vibe Check: Here's how Americans feel about the government this week

The Ipsos Care-o-Meter: What does America know about vs. what does America care about