Cost-of-living crisis

A cost-of-living crisis is a socioeconomic situation or period of high inflation where nominal wages have stagnated while there is a sharp increase in the cost of basic goods, such as food, housing, and energy. As a result, living standards are squeezed to the point that people cannot afford the standard of living that they were previously accustomed to. Public health is threatened. The population becomes 'poorer' than it used to be in real terms. This is in contrast to a situation in which wages are rising to meet the rate of inflation and workers' standard of living remains unchanged.
During the 2020s, a cost-of-living crisis impacted many countries around the world amid global inflation. In February 2023, 3 out of 4 consumers globally were worried about the rising cost of everyday expenses. The Big Issue defines a cost of living crisis as "a situation in which the cost of everyday essentials like groceries and bills are rising faster than average household incomes". Change in average real incomes can be measured by real GNI per capita change.

Effects on society

Health

Cost-of-living crises have had significant and wide-ranging negative consequences for mental and physical well-being. For example, high food prices force people to choose to eat foods with less nutritional value or less food in general. This leads to a higher rate of obesity or undernutrition, and, by extension, less energy and lowered performance at school or work. Worse nutrition also leads to a higher likelihood of getting sick from infectious diseases. In poorer countries, there is a higher risk of starvation.
Mental health also declines across the board due to the stress of being unable to afford to live properly. Rates of depression and anxiety increase. People are also more likely to lose sleep, forego meeting with friends, not engage in their hobbies, and skip out on exercising. A cost-of-living crisis will lead to a higher demand for social and health services. However, higher operating expenses and a lack of staff to meet the higher demand will result in squeezed budgets and worse service. Overworked and underpaid staff will also be more likely to quit, creating a vicious cycle.

Job market

Workers are more likely to quit their job and switch to a higher-paying one because their current job no longer pays enough to cover their lifestyle expenses. Workers are most likely to strike in an effort to improve their circumstances.

Business and investments

Small businesses will be negatively affected due to higher material and energy prices. Customers also have less purchasing power, and so will purchase fewer items from companies who do not sell essential goods. It becomes more difficult to predict investment returns because of market volatility and uncertainty. People are also less likely to invest in businesses or the stock market because they have less disposable income.

Spending and debt

Consumer confidence drops. Non-essential spending is reduced, with luxury goods, travel and fashion seeing the greatest declines. People are more likely to take on debt in order to keep up with bills and living expenses.

By region

In 2022, The Guardian reported that numerous countries were being impacted by a cost of living crisis, including Belgium, Germany, India, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa and Taiwan.

Australia

In the 2020s, Australia faced a cost of living crisis, impacting food security and increasing demands for food banks.

Brazil

In 2022, Brazil saw double digit inflation rates. Despite Brazil being an agricultural powerhouse, food prices are rising.

Canada

In 2024, CBC News reported many Canadians were struggling amidst rising living costs and working multiple jobs.

New Zealand

New Zealand is currently experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, with increasing unemployment and a contracting GDP alongside record numbers leaving the country, but The Treasury and Reserve Bank government departments expect New Zealand's economy to make an economic turnaround sometime between 2026 and 2030.