The median sale price for a home in 2026 is $410,700, according to the Federal Reserve. Even if you’ve already bought a house, Zillow estimates that the median monthly cost of homeownership is approximately $3,558—with the average American paying around $2,226 in mortgage payments, $912 in maintenance costs, $167 in homeowners insurance, and $253 in property taxes each month.

Unfortunately, renting isn’t more affordable, either. According to Apartments.com, the current median monthly rent is $1,667, with an average apartment size of 695 square feet. 

In 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture anticipates the cost of beef will increase by 9.4%, fresh vegetables by 5.7%, sugar and sweets by 6.6%, and nonalcoholic beverages by 4.2%. (All of which makes it much more difficult to eat our feelings about the affordability crisis.)

And the median price for a gallon of gasoline is currently $4.465, while a gallon of diesel costs an eye-watering $6.382, on average.

Other than packing it all in to live on a yurt off grid, what can we do to survive this cost of living crisis? While there is no single strategy that will magically make life in 2026 more affordable, here are several creative ways to minimize the impact of high prices.

Homeownership can feel like a pipe dream to many newly minted adults—but even just moving into your own apartment may seem impossible. Which is why Americans are changing how they live.

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