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With rising costs and paychecks that don't stretch as far as they used to, Americans continue to struggle as incomes haven't kept pace with inflation.
To understand just how much time families spend working to keep up with the cost of living, Greenville, South Carolina-based Advance America surveyed U.S. households and compared responses to median household income figures for 2025.
"This survey highlights how differently families across the country experience the cost of living," says Laura McCutcheon, VP of Marketing at Advance America. "In some states, it takes nearly half a month of work just to pay the bills, while in others, it's less than a week. But no matter where you live, essentials like groceries and energy costs are the biggest strain."
The results show notable differences across states.
Looking across regions, families in the South are among the most stretched. Alabama households report the most time — about 26 workdays each month — needed to cover their bills. Following closely is Mississippi averaging 24 days and South Carolina 22.
On the other hand, Colorado families average just 10 days, suggesting lower costs or spending habits that help keep budgets in check.
The five states where households report working the most days to cover expenses:
Alabama: 26 days
Rhode Island: 24 days
Mississippi: 24 days
Michigan: 22 days
South Carolina: 22 days.
Advance America dug deeper, asking families which bills feel heaviest, how a little extra money would really be used, and what they would cut back on if they needed to stretch $1,000.
Their answers offer a clearer view into everyday trade-offs, areas where households struggle most, and what families prioritize when money is tight.
Families cut out extras before essentials
Restaurants are the first luxury on the chopping block as nearly half of respondents say they'll give up takeout and dining out to save money.
47 percent - Dining out/takeout
26 percent - Entertainment/streaming subscriptions
15 percent - Driving/travel
8 percent - Groceries/food choices
4 percent - Utilities (heating, cooling, electricity).
Which bills are on the rise?
Groceries top the list of rising costs, with more than half of respondents (56 percent) saying food spending had jumped the most over the past year.
Utilities came second at 17 percent, followed by rent and housing at 15 percent. By comparison, entertainment, childcare, and transportation costs were barely mentioned.
Generational comparisons
When asked how $1,000 today compares to what their parents had at the same age, the majority didn't mince words.
Nearly half (44 percent) said that money doesn't go as far. Another 18 percent said it stretches only a little less, while just 19 percent believe it goes further.
Emergency $1,000: Where would it come from?
Official said answers to this question show a split between resilience and reliance. If an unexpected $1,000 expense came up, just over half said they would dip into savings — but a sizable chunk would turn to family, credit, or extra work to cover the cost.
51 percent - Existing savings
19 percent - Borrow from family or friends
17 percent - Credit card or loan
13 percent - Side job or extra hours.
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