When President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, he made a central promise to American voters: everyday life would become more affordable. He repeatedly assured the public that they would “win” on prices, pay less at the pump, and experience relief from the crushing cost-of-living pressures that defined the post-pandemic economy. Inflation, he argued, would be brought under control, and families would once again feel financial breathing room in their monthly budgets.

Nearly a year into his second term, the picture is mixed. Inflation has cooled from its historic highs, and certain everyday expenses have declined. Gasoline, in particular, has offered welcome relief to drivers. But other essential costs—especially housing, electricity, medical care, and digital services—have continued to rise. For many households, the result is not a clear victory or defeat, but a complicated financial balancing act.

Not every policy advanced during Trump’s second term directly targets consumer prices. Yet the impact of economic shifts is felt most vividly through the bills Americans pay each month. Whether it is rent, insurance, energy, streaming services, or credit card debt, these costs collectively shape how secure—or strained—families feel.

Here is a detailed look at six major household expense categories that have either gone up or down since Trump returned to office.