In recent polling, anxiety about cost of living and healthcare has emerged as a significant issue among Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians, with nearly half of respondents advocating for government action to address these rising concerns.
The survey, conducted by AAPI Data and the AP-NORC Center, spanned December 2-8, 2025, revealing that approximately 50% of AAPI adults feel inflation and affordability are pressing priorities for the government. This is notably higher compared to one-third of U.S. adults who rated similar issues as their top economic concerns.
Participants expressed a lack of confidence in the government's ability to effectuate real change regarding these challenges. A startling 70% indicated they were not at all or only slightly confident in government progress on key issues, a rise from 60% post-2024 elections.
With financial pressures taking center stage, individuals like Jayakumar Natarajan, 56, are reevaluating retirement plans amidst growing costs for necessary goods and services. It's making a big difference in how I plan for the future, he remarked.
Further emphasizing economic distress, Kevin Tu, a 32-year-old father-to-be from Washington state, is concerned with balancing homeownership, child expenses, and a steady income against the backdrop of inflated costs.
The emerging trend also includes frustrations regarding healthcare expenses. 44% of AAPI respondents indicated healthcare should be a government priority, aligning with broader concerns about skyrocketing medical costs across the United States.
As economic realities shift, AAPI adults are left grappling with increased living costs, reflecting broader anxiety as demographics in high-cost living areas feel the pressure to adapt financially.
