A majority of New Jersey residents continue to find it difficult to afford basic necessities, with particular pressure from rising gasoline and transportation costs, according to a Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released on Apr. 15.
The poll highlights persistent affordability challenges for many households across the state. While some expenses such as utilities, housing, healthcare, and groceries have become slightly easier for some since October, the cost of gas and transportation has increased in difficulty for most groups.
According to the survey results, about two-thirds of respondents said they struggle with education costs (68%), utility bills (63%), housing (62%), healthcare (60%), gasoline and transportation (59%), and groceries (59%). The proportion finding gasoline and transportation costs difficult rose from 54% in October to 59%, with notable increases among Democrats and people aged 50 to 64. “New Jerseyans feel a slight relief on most everyday costs compared to last fall, but this relief does not extend to the gas pump,” said Ashley Koning, assistant research professor at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. “This is no surprise, as gas nears – or even exceeds – $4 a gallon,” Koning said. “The jump in reported difficulty in this area cuts across every demographic… showing just how acutely New Jerseyans are feeling the consequences of the current national conflict with Iran.”
Difficulty paying for other essentials remains high among nonwhite residents and those earning under $50,000 per year. For example, nearly three-quarters of lower-income respondents report struggling with gas prices; Black residents report higher levels of hardship than white residents across several categories.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association representing private-sector employers throughout New Jersey according to its official website. The association facilitates partnerships among businesses, government entities, and academic institutions while offering advocacy services aimed at advancing members’ competitive excellence according to its official website. Michele Siekerka is president and chief executive officer according to its official website.
Despite small improvements in certain spending areas since last fall’s polling period—such as utilities or grocery bills—the overall burden remains unevenly distributed by race, income level, gender identity or educational attainment. “Even though some of these everyday affordability pressures have eased slightly across all New Jerseyans,” Koning said. “Across all six spending areas… nonwhite residents… lower-income households… consistently report greater difficulty – and in several cases… little to no improvement at all.”
