PRIMERICA HOUSEHOLD BUDGET INDEX™ (HBI™): Purchasing Power for Middle-Income Americans Fell Slightly in September as Gas and Heating Costs Rose
Business Wire•29/10/2026•00:00 ET
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Key Highlights
- ➤HBI estimated at 100.0% in September, down 0.6% month-over-month
- ➤HBI fell 0.4% year-over-year as gas and heating costs rose sharply
- ➤Average earned income increased 3.3% year-over-year and 0.2% month-over-month
- ➤Necessity costs rose 4.5% year-over-year for middle-income Americans
- ➤CPI increased 3.7% year-over-year in September
Expert Statements
Amy Crews Cutts, Chief economic consultant to Primerica
“The latest Primerica Household Budget Index™ (HBI™) data, a monthly economic metric that examines how inflation and wage trends impact the ability of middle-income families to afford life’s everyday necessities, is estimated at 100.0% in September, a decrease of 0.6% from August and down 0.4% from a year ago.”
PRIMERICA HOUSEHOLD BUDGET INDEX™ (HBI™): Purchasing Power for Middle-Income Americans Fell Slightly in September as Gas and Heating Costs Rose
The latest Primerica Household Budget Index™ (HBI™) data, a monthly economic metric that examines how inflation and wage trends impact the ability of middle-income families to afford life’s everyday necessities, is estimated at 100.0% in September, a decrease of 0.6% from August and down 0.4% from a year ago.
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