Measuring the True Cost of Economic Security
The article presents the True Cost of Economic Security (TCES) measure, showing that over half of U.S. families struggle to meet the comprehensive costs required to thrive, highlighting significant disparities based on family type, location, and race.

The report introduces the True Cost of Economic Security (TCES) measure, which assesses the comprehensive costs families face to thrive in the U.S., including housing, healthcare, childcare, food, and savings. In 2022, the TCES measure found that 52% of Americans lacked the resources to meet these costs, revealing a gap between economic growth and the ability of families to achieve financial security. The study also identifies disparities in TCES rates across family types, geographic areas, and racial groups, emphasizing the need for diverse policy solutions to improve economic security.
Share this Resource: