NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A new Vanderbilt University poll reveals a sharp rise in economic anxiety among Tennesseans, with residents across political parties expressing concern about the rising cost of living and the direction of the national economy.
According to the poll, 87% of Tennesseans say their day-to-day cost of living feels expensive, and many report significant financial stress. From groceries to housing, many say they are struggling to keep up.
Danielle Clark from Hendersonville told FOX 17 News she feels the spike most at the grocery store.
“Some of the products that I’ve bought have like doubled in price,” Clark said.
Clark says she moved from downtown Nashville to Hendersonville to help manage the growing costs.
“I kind of moved there to still be close to where I work in the city, but also get away from some of the expenses,” she said.
Others, like Reagan Kelly of Nashville, say they’re also making changes.
“I think grocery is probably getting high,” Kelly said.
Julio Rivas, a finance professor at Lipscomb University, says rising prices combined with stagnant wages are putting added strain on households.
“Prices are still going up, and for a lot of people, their salary, their wages, their income has not gone up,” Rivas explained.
He recommends cutting unnecessary subscriptions, buying in bulk when possible, and monitoring spending more closely.
While Tennesseans are worried about the national economy, the poll found that 61% believe Tennessee’s economy is doing well, showing a divide between state-level confidence and broader national concerns.
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The Vanderbilt poll surveyed 1,046 registered voters ages 18 and older between November 12 and November 19, 2025.