El Paso Families Face Thousands in Higher Costs, Joint Economic Committee Report Finds

A new report from the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) shows that the average household in El Paso has had to spend thousands of dollars more for goods and services under President Donald Trump’s administration.

According to the JEC, El Paso families have spent an additional $281 on housing costs, while grocery prices have risen more than 4% since President Trump took office. The average El Paso household has also paid an additional $853 in gasoline costs since the war in Iran began, the report also showed.

Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX) said Republicans and the Trump administration are not working to combat high inflation.

“The Trump economy has had a crushing impact on our community,” Rep. Escobar said. “Families in El Paso have had to pay thousands of dollars more for goods and services as a result of devastating decisions that Donald Trump and Republicans have made over these last two years.”

Rep. Escobar pointed to the ongoing war in Iran and recent tariffs against U.S. trading partners as evidence.

Since the war in Iran began in February 2026, the average price of oil and groceries has risen. Inflation is also at 3.7%, sitting above the 2% Federal Reserve target.

“This report is further proof that El Pasoans should take him and his party at their word when he says that he doesn't think about Americans' financial situations at all,” Rep. Escobar said, referring to President Donald Trump.

Texans are not alone in the affordability crisis. Families across the country have cited concerns over the high cost of living, an issue many voters will keep in mind come Nov. 3.

“Despite repeated promises from Donald Trump to end inflation on day one, his policies have increased the cost of living and created an economic crisis,” Rep. Escobar said.