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Affordability Top Concern as Gas Prices Climb in Maryland
UMBC Poll finds cost of living, energy costs among top issues for residents
Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:57am
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A new poll from the UMBC Institute of Politics found that affordability and the rising cost of living are the top concerns for Marylanders, with about a third of respondents citing cost of living, prices, and energy costs as the most important issues facing the state. The poll found that around 70% of respondents said groceries, gas, and electricity bills are less affordable than a year ago, with many expressing anger, concern, and stress over high utility bills.
Why it matters
The findings from this poll highlight the significant financial strain that many Maryland residents are facing due to surging inflation and energy costs. As gas prices continue to climb, concerns over affordability could have major implications for consumer spending, household budgets, and the broader economic outlook for the state.
The details
The UMBC Poll surveyed 804 Maryland adults from March 17-22, with 731 indicating they were registered voters. When asked to identify the most important issue facing the state in their own words, 33% of respondents cited cost of living, affordability, or prices, followed by taxes/spending (15%) and issues with government (15%). Around 40% of respondents said cost of living, affordability, prices, and energy/utility costs were the top concerns. The poll also found that about 70% of Marylanders said groceries, gas, and electricity bills are less affordable than a year ago, with many expressing anger, worry, and stress over high utility bills.
- The poll was conducted two weeks before gas prices reached their current high levels.
- The state average for regular gas is currently $4.01 per gallon, while the national average is $4.02.
The players
UMBC Institute of Politics
A research institute at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County that conducts public opinion surveys and analysis on issues affecting Maryland residents.
Dr. Mileah Kromer
The director of the UMBC Institute of Politics and the lead researcher on this poll.
What they’re saying
“We asked people just to identify what they thought, in their own words, was the most important issue. Right off the bat, the things that bubble to the top are cost of living issues.”
— Dr. Mileah Kromer, Director, UMBC Institute of Politics
“I would say it's a pretty top concern for me. I can't think of one thing that hasn't gone up. It's just one of those things where things just get more expensive every day, and it's not getting any better.”
— James Taylor, Baltimore Resident
“It's putting pressure on everybody at different levels.”
— Kaitlin Quinn, Baltimore Resident
What’s next
The UMBC Institute of Politics plans to release additional findings from the poll in the coming weeks, which could provide further insights into Marylanders' concerns over affordability and the broader economic outlook.
The takeaway
This poll underscores the significant financial strain that many Maryland residents are facing due to rising inflation, energy costs, and the overall cost of living. As the state grapples with these affordability challenges, policymakers will likely face growing pressure to address the concerns of constituents struggling with higher prices across a range of essential goods and services.
