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Canadian household affordability pressures are affecting most families, with everyday necessities creating financial strain across the country. A new national survey reveals that grocery costs remain the leading concern, with three-quarters of Canadians identifying food expenses as the biggest impact on their household finances in recent months.

Key Takeaways

  • Grocery costs are the largest source of financial pressure for Canadians, with 76% saying food prices have had the greatest impact on their household finances.
  • Housing, gasoline, and electricity expenses are also creating significant affordability challenges, particularly among younger Canadians and lower-income households.
  • Affordability concerns are widespread across Canada, with most households experiencing financial strain from at least one essential expense.

A new national survey finds that affordability pressures tied to everyday necessities are impacting the vast majority of Canadian households. Groceries stand out as the most significant financial pressure facing Canadians, with three-quarters (76%) saying food costs have had the greatest impact on their household finances in recent months.

While food prices lead by a wide margin, many Canadians are also feeling pressure from other essential expenses. Nearly half of Canadians (47%) cite gasoline prices as a source of financial pressure, while one-third mention mortgage or rent payments (33%). A similar proportion note that electricity costs (29%) weigh heavily on their household budget. Those who cite household maintenance or repairs (19%) and home heating (19%) as financial burdens are among the minority.

Expenses Impacting Household Financial Well-Being in the Past Few Months

Expenses Impacting Household Financial Well-Being in the Past Few Months

Residents in Atlantic Canada are more likely than those elsewhere to mention electricity and home heating costs as factors affecting their finances. Those aged 25-34 are more likely than their counterparts to cite mortgage or rent as a stressor. Meanwhile, Canadians with a household income less than $60K are more likely to feel the impact of food costs but are less likely to be impacted by gasoline costs.

About one in ten indicate that none of the listed expenses have affected their household finances. This underscores the widespread issue of affordability across Canada, with a large majority experiencing at least one financial pressure in daily life.

Results are from an online survey conducted in partnership between Narrative Research and the Logit Group. The survey was conducted between June 12 and 26, 2026 with 1,237 Canadians, 18 years of age or older from the Logit Group’s online Canadian Omnibus. Data were weighted based on the 2021 Census, by gender, age, and region to reflect actual population distribution.

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FAQs

What is the biggest affordability concern facing Canadian households?

Grocery costs are the biggest affordability concern for Canadians, with 76% identifying food expenses as the leading source of financial pressure on their household finances.

Which expenses are putting the most pressure on Canadian household budgets?

Beyond groceries, gasoline prices, mortgage or rent payments, and electricity costs are among the most common expenses affecting household finances.

Are affordability pressures affecting all regions and age groups in Canada?

Yes. While affordability concerns are widespread, some groups experience greater pressure from specific expenses. Atlantic Canadians are more likely to cite electricity and heating costs, while Canadians aged 25-34 are more likely to report housing costs as a financial stressor.

For more information, please contact:

Margaret Chapman, COO & & Partner, Narrative Research – 902.493.3834, mchapman@narrativeresearch.ca or Sam Pisani, Managing Partner, Logit Group – 416.629.4116, sam.pisani@logitgroup.com.

Narrative Research is a non-partisan, 100% Canadian-owned research company, certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE). Narrative Research provides clients with state-of-the-art research and strategic consulting services.

The Logit Group is a leading North American data collection and market research execution company headquartered in Toronto, conducting large-scale projects for a variety of well-known research agencies and brands. Logit employs industry-best technologies.