6 Monthly Bills That Skyrocketed/Plummeted Since Trump Took Office
Written by
Kerra Bolton
Edited by
Amen Oyiboke
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President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to crush inflation and lower the cost of everyday life.
However, since taking office in January, some bills have dropped while others have jumped dramatically, reshaping household budgets across the country. For example, utility costs have surged even as drivers get relief at the pump, creating a mixed picture for consumers.
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Here’s a closer look at the three monthly bills that skyrocketed and three that plummeted since Trump took office.
Monthly Bills That Skyrocketed
Some core household costs have jumped sharply since Trump took office, squeezing family budgets despite campaign promises to lower everyday expenses.
Utility costs and insurance premiums have seen some of the steepest year-over-year increases, showing that inflation hasn’t disappeared for many essential services.
Natural Gas (Home Service): More Than Doubled Since January
Residential natural gas prices surged from $12.34 in January 2025 to $25.27 in July, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
That’s an increase of roughly 105% in just six months, more than doubling what consumers paid at the start of Trump’s presidency. The spike reflects higher wholesale prices and lingering supply pressures, hitting households through sharply higher monthly heating and cooking bills.
Electricity: Up 6.7% Since January
Electric power costs have climbed steadily, rising 6.2% over the 12 months ending August 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
That year-over-year increase reflects higher generation and transmission costs, which have pushed monthly utility bills higher for households across the country. While not all of that increase occurred during Trump’s time in office, consumers are still feeling the effects through larger monthly electricity bills.
Motor Vehicle Insurance: Up Nearly 20% in 2025
Car insurance costs have surged this year, with premiums up nearly 20% nationally in 2025, according to a WNY Asset Management report.
The WNY report cited inflation, broken supply chains and shortages, and climate change as the major factors behind the sharp increase. Higher theft rates and extreme weather have added further pressure, leaving drivers facing noticeably steeper monthly bills. BLS data also shows a 4.7% rise over the 12 months ending August 2025.
Monthly Bills That Plummeted
Not every bill has gone up under Trump. A few key categories, including gasoline, phone services, and clothing, have actually eased or held steady in price since January 2025. The savings gave consumers some rare relief even as other essentials have grown more expensive.
Gasoline: Down Sharply Since January
Drivers have seen some relief at the pump in 2025. The national average price of regular gasoline has fallen from about $3.21 a year ago to roughly $3.15 by late September, according to AAA.
That drop has helped offset rising costs elsewhere, giving households a bit more breathing room in their monthly transportation budgets.
Telephone Services: Prices Edge Down
Phone plan prices have ticked down this year as carriers introduced cheaper offers and the Bureau of Labor Statistics updated its pricing methodology to reflect modern wireless usage.
The CPI for telephone services shows a modest year-over-year decline through August 2025, offering households a small but noticeable break on their monthly bills. While the drop isn’t dramatic, it stands out in a year when many other essential costs have climbed.
Apparel: Prices Flat or Falling
Clothing costs have been stable or slightly lower this year, offering households a bit of relief compared to the steep price hikes seen in utilities and insurance.
According to BLS data, apparel prices were essentially flat over the 12 months ending August 2025, making this one of the few consumer categories not adding pressure to monthly budgets.
Bottom Line
Overall, household costs under Trump are a mixed bag. A few bills have eased, but surging utility and insurance costs are outweighing those savings for many Americans.
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