Affordability is the top issue on Marylanders’ minds, with many residents saying everyday expenses, from groceries to electricity, have become harder to manage over the past year, according to a new UMBC Poll.
The UMBC Poll surveyed 804 Maryland adults from Tuesday, March 17 to Sunday, March 22, 2026. Of those surveyed, 731 indicated they were registered voters. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for the full sample and plus or minus 3.6 points for registered voters.
When asked in their own words to describe the most important issue facing the state, 33 percent cited “cost of living, affordability, or prices,” the poll found. Other top categories included “taxes, spending, or state budget” at 15 percent; “politicians, Trump, federal government, or state government” at 15 percent; “economy or jobs” at eight percent; “energy or utility costs” at six percent; and “crime, public safety, or substance abuse” at six percent.
The poll noted that the “energy or utility costs” category includes responses that specifically mentioned an electric bill or the overall cost of energy and utilities, and that those responses could alternatively be classified under “cost of living, affordability, or prices.”
On specific household expenses, majorities of respondents said several costs have become “less affordable” compared with a year ago. That included groceries (72 percent), gasoline (71 percent), electricity bills (69 percent) and housing (65 percent). Smaller — but still sizable — shares said entertainment and recreation activities (59 percent) and healthcare, including prescription drugs and medications (57 percent) have become less affordable.
Asked to describe their reaction to their household electricity bill over the past few months, respondents most often described high or rising costs (35 percent). Some of the representative responses included: “It’s been going up consistently.” “The electricity bill has skyrocketed over the last few months. A normally $250 bill is $700+. Super unaffordable.” “It has been much higher than in previous years.”
Others described their bills as manageable or not concerning (17 percent), with responses such as: “It has been fine. I have a super-efficient home.” “It has increased somewhat, but it’s manageable.” “It’s more or less in the same ballpark, but I have definitely gotten more conservative. I’ll throw on a jacket in the house.”
Another 13 percent expressed anger, outrage or other strong negative emotions, including: “Angry and confused. I don’t know why it’s suddenly so much higher despite my usage being the same.” “Disgusted. Even when I cut down on electricity, the bill still increases.” “Absolutely insane, there is no reason utilities should be this high.”
An additional 13 percent expressed worry, concern, frustration or stress, including: “I am afraid it is getting too expensive.” “Concerned, it’s challenging. I’m scared it’s going to go up.” “I’m pretty worried about being able to keep up with my electric bill along with other bills as well. It has been a struggle.”
The poll also asked Marylanders about personal financial concerns. Half of respondents (50 percent) said they are “very” or “extremely” worried about healthcare and medical costs. Other top concerns included saving enough for retirement (46 percent), being able to afford a home (40 percent), affording groceries and food (39 percent) and paying utility bills each month (39 percent).
Beyond finances, respondents reported high levels of concern about broader quality-of-life issues. Sixty-three percent said they are “very” or “extremely” worried about “the future of the country.” Thirty percent said the same about “the safety of your community,” followed by “the well-being of your family” (29 percent), “your physical health” (23 percent), “your mental health” (21 percent) and “the quality of your personal relationships” (15 percent).
“Affordability is the defining concern for Marylanders right now and over the past year. Cost-of-living issues top the list of what residents say matters most, and roughly seven in ten say that groceries, gasoline, and electric bills are less affordable now than they were a year ago,” said Mileah Kromer, director of the UMBC Institute of Politics. “The reaction to opening their monthly electric bill is a mix of anger, concern, and frustration, along with a clear awareness that they are paying more for the same amount of energy.”
Part two of the UMBC Poll will be released on Wednesday, April 1st with Part 3 scheduled for Thursday.
Local Story
