Cost of Living
In the ninth edition of the Ipsos Cost of Living Monitor which tracks global perceptions of people’s financial situation, the causes of rising prices and how the economy will perform in the future.
Key findings from our 2026 Cost of Living Monitor:
- Conflicts around the world and their consequences are seen as the biggest factor driving the cost of living up (76%), ahead of the global economy or national governments. In the next six months, 70% expect to be paying more for their energy and utilities.
- Across 33 countries, people are more likely to say they are financially comfortable/alright (38%) than are finding it difficult (27%).
- While this is the case for higher and middle-income households, those on lower income more likely to be struggling (38% difficult to 24% comfortable/alright).