Gas prices are now a major concern for US consumers: According to the University of Michigan's Survey of Consumers, ~40% of respondents spontaneously mentioned gasoline as an economic factor in June, the highest reading in at least 2 years. This proportion fell to ~31% in July but remains well above pre-Iran War levels of ~10%. By comparison, concerns around AI’s economic impact have risen much more gradually, to just ~11% in July, up from ~1% in January 2025. AI has been mentioned by at least 10% of consumers for the 3rd consecutive month. Meanwhile, mentions of high prices eroding personal finances declined slightly, from 56% in June to 50% in July, but remain one of the biggest factors shaping consumer views of the economy. Cost of living in America has never been higher.