One in Four Americans Struggle to Pay Monthly Bills, Pew Research Survey Finds
A significant portion of the U.S. population reports difficulty meeting financial obligations, with many also lacking emergency savings.
More than a quarter of Americans are unable to pay all of their monthly bills, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center. The study found that 27% of U.S. adults can only pay some of their monthly dues or make partial payments, a slight increase from the 24% who reported similar difficulties in April 2020.
The survey, which included responses from over 5,000 adults between August 24-30, 2026, also revealed that a majority of Americans (60%) do not currently earn enough income to live the lifestyle they desire. Furthermore, 53% of respondents stated they lack sufficient emergency funds to cover three months of expenses.
Financial anxieties are widespread, with approximately 32% of Americans reporting daily worries about healthcare costs and their existing debt.
"The survey, conducted in August, finds that many Americans are not on solid financial footing," Pew stated in its report.
Beyond monthly bills, nearly half of U.S. adults (44%) have experienced difficulty paying for at least one basic necessity, such as rent, mortgage, or transportation, within the past year. The financial strain has also led many to cut back on discretionary spending. A total of 70% of adults reported reducing spending on non-essential items like dining out, streaming services, and entertainment over the last year. Additionally, 54% indicated they have been unable to save money for the future.
The research aimed to assess Americans' financial stability and security, their ability to afford necessities, and their overall outlook on their personal financial situations.