Due to rampant inflation attributed to government spending in recent years, Americans are facing increased costs for everyday expenses. This trend extends to commuting, with many finding their daily travel expenses significantly higher.
Food prices have surged by 21.5% since 2021, gas prices have risen from $2.39 per gallon to $3.49 per gallon, and energy costs have increased by 35.6%. On average, Americans now spend an additional $11,400 annually to maintain their 2021 lifestyle. The need to work harder has become apparent as a result of these rising costs.
The majority of Americans—more than 71%, according to 2022 U.S. Census data—commute daily to work despite the increase in teleworking post-COVID-19. Consequently, transportation expenses constitute approximately 16.8% of the annual budget for many households.
Gas prices have consistently risen over the past three years, making commutes more expensive. The average American drives 42 miles daily with an average fuel economy of 24.4 miles per gallon at a current national average gas price of $3.445 per gallon; this results in a daily expenditure of about $5.93 on gas compared to $4.15 in January 2021 when gas was priced at $2.41 per gallon—a notable increase of 42.8%.
The burden of these higher commuting costs disproportionately affects lower-income Americans who spend a larger percentage of their after-tax income on gas compared to higher-income individuals.
Public transportation users are not exempt from these rising costs either; public transport expenses increased by 15% between January 2021 and May 2024.
Since taking office, President Biden and his congressional allies have implemented policies that some argue make it more challenging for American energy companies while promoting green energy initiatives extensively. Actions such as halting the Keystone Pipeline project and pausing new exports of American Liquified Natural Gas are cited as factors contributing to increased energy costs.
These policies impact not only fuel prices but also the cost of goods across various sectors including transportation, manufacturing, and food industries—leading to overall higher consumer prices.
Critics argue that "Bidenomics" prioritizes green energy at the expense of affordable traditional energy sources essential for everyday life and productivity for many Americans.
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