The average household in Pennsylvania has paid more than $5,100 in additional costs for goods and services since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, according to estimates in a new analysis by Democratic congressional staff. The increases include higher costs for groceries, energy, health care, and housing.
The information is contained in an Oct. 15 report by the minority staff of Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, based on data through September 2026.
“Despite repeated pledges on the campaign trail that his administration would ‘end inflation’ and bring down costs for families, Trump and Republicans in Congress have instead pushed prices even higher, including through Trump’s reckless tariffs and war in Iran.” the authors note.
At an August 2024 campaign event in Bozeman, Montana, Trump told voters: “From the moment we take back the White House from Kamala and Crooked Joe, I believe we’re going to have the four greatest years in the history of our country. Starting on day one, we will end inflation and make America affordable again. To bring down the prices of all goods, we will stop the Biden-Harris war on American energy, and we will drill, baby, drill. We’re going to bring them way down. That’s what caused the inflation. Their stupid energy policies caused the inflation.”
Experts say a combination of factors have caused consumer prices to rise, including tariffs imposed by Trump on imported goods and disruptions to oil and gas shipments as a result of U.S. military attacks he launched against Iran in February. Health insurance also got more expensive for many Americans after Trump and the Republican-led Senate failed to extend an enhanced premium tax credit that had helped 22 million people afford their health insurance premiums. The tax credit expired at the end of 2025.
A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Joint Economic Committee Democratic staff’s report estimated that Pennsylvania families have spent, on average, more than $1,100 on increased housing costs, $300 on groceries, $673 on gasoline, and $440 on electricity. The average monthly premium for health insurance plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act marketplace rose by more than 50% from 2025 to 2026.
According to data released on Oct. 14 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall consumer prices increased by 3.7% between September 2025 and September 2026, up from 3.4% in August.