Specialist in market and opinion surveys, Appinio unveils the results of the sixth edition of its annual Barometer on purchasing power, produced in partnership with LSA magazine. After 5 years of monitoring and 6 waves of surveys, the study shows that much more than a temporary shock, degradation is indeed a lasting constraint integrated by households.
At the start of the 2026 school year, 56% of French people say they are rather pessimistic. After a relative lull in 2025, the financial perception of households is deteriorating again : 61% now judge their purchasing power to be “very bad” or “fairly bad” (+4 points compared to last year), and 84% say they are worried (+3 points). 95% deplore a cost of living that continues to increase, while 85% find it increasingly difficult to save. Result : 75% of French people indicate that they have postponed a major expense this year, whether it is travel (55 %), renovation or development work (40 %), purchasing electronic equipment (37 %) or household appliances (35 %), or even a vehicle (31 %). Almost two thirds (62 %) noticed an increase in their daily expenses. Among the positions with the most increase, our compatriots obviously cite fuel (87 %, i.e. +27 points) and energy (78 %), but it is still in food that the increase in expenses is felt the most (94 %). Although it concerns all product categories, this is particularly clear on meat products (94 %), fruits and vegetables (91 %), as well as dairy products (90 %).
Arbitrations that have become a mode of consumption
So, to keep their budget, the French are adopting new consumption reflexes. The quest for the best price dominates : cheaper alternatives (94 %), distributor brands (85 %), increased attendance at hard discount stores (79 %). They also say they are ready for restrictions – particularly on the quantity of products they buy (77 %) – or to limit the purchase of certain products (83 %) and make compromises, like favoring soon to expire products on promotion (77 %), or even ignoring the quality of certain products (61 %). If the figures remain comparable to those observed in 2025, this addiction is accompanied by real worry : 68% admit to being concerned about their financial situation for the end of the year, and 48% even anticipate a drop in their purchasing power in the fourth quarter.
Leisure activities among the most affected
This apprehension unsurprisingly primarily impacts “pleasure” spending., first adjustment variables. Leisure activities are particularly concerned, with reduction intentions up sharply compared to last year. So, in the coming months, the French plan to reduce their outings to restaurants (56 %, +14 points) or at the cinema/concert (51 %, +12 points), their vacations/trips (51 %, +15 points), their healthcare/well-being expenses (45 %, +9 points) and their sporting activities (40 %, +2 points), but also their clothing purchases (44 %, +17 points) and electronics (47 %, +10 points).
A major electoral issue
In this context, purchasing power emerges as the determining subject of the presidential election : cited at 60%, he tops the issues that will count in their vote. More : 82% believe that it will be very important, if not decisive, when making a decision. Nevertheless, this priority is accompanied by a deep skepticism and a displayed distrust towards the political class : indeed, 67% of French people believe that political leaders do not understand the financial difficulties they face. And 58% do not think that the next president and his government will allow a real improvement in the economic situation of households.
Study conducted in France from August 26 to 29, 2026 among 1,000 respondents aged 18 to 65. National representativeness ensured by application of quotas (age, genre, CSP, region and size of agglomeration).
