Q2 2026 US Consumer Pulse Study Key Takeaways

TransUnion’s US Q2 2026 Consumer Pulse Study found US consumers continued to be optimistic about their household finances in the face of resurgent inflation concerns and mounting affordability pressures. The implications for business leaders indicate a consumer more motivated by affordability, value protection and financial control.

Let's look more closely.

The first key takeaway in our study was income growth moderated as high earners appeared to lose momentum. Consumers who said their income increased in the last three months fell three percentage points from 30% a year ago to 27% in Q2 2026 — while those who said it stayed the same grew four percentage points to 57%.

What’s notable was the sizeable downward shift for high-income households; 32% said their income increased (down 10 percentage points from Q2 2025), while 59% said it stayed the same (up 11 percentage points).

Key takeaway number two was gas price shock drove renewed inflation anxiety.

Consumers’ top household financial concern remained inflation, rising from 47% a year ago to 50% in Q2 2026. The recent spike in gas prices kept inflation top of mind as 71% of consumers said they’re very concerned with rising gas prices, a 43% increase year over year and a dramatic 90% increase from Q1 2026.

The third key takeaway revealed Gen X is feeling the affordability squeeze most sharply. Among all age groups, this generation — who may be simultaneously caring for their aging parents and their own children — found all 13 spend categories measured in the last three months the most unaffordable.

Not surprisingly, just 63% of Gen X said their household finances were as planned or better compared to 74% of Gen Z, 71% of Millennials and 67% of Baby Boomers.

Would you like to know how organizations can apply these insights? Visit transunion.com/consumer-pulse-study to download the full report.