What Do Americans Spend on Housing?
A survey by WIRED reveals that Americans are facing significant financial stress due to rising housing costs and inflation. Many respondents report that the traditional rule of spending 30 percent of income on housing is no longer feasible for a large portion of the population.
Why it matters
It underscores the systemic affordability crisis impacting the American middle class and renters.
Animations: Dhrutika Khimani Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Comment Loader Save Story Save this story If there’s one thing that brings people together, it’s the ridiculously high cost of housing . Want to buy a place? Good luck with that. If you do luck into homeownership, enjoy those skyrocketing bills. In late April and May, WIRED asked readers how they’re thinking about homes in 2026. More than 200 people responded, sharing how they’re living and at what cost, how their towns have changed, and what compromises they ve had to make.
The article relies on survey data and personal anecdotes to illustrate a widely recognized economic trend.
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