Gas prices stretch budgets—especially for low- and middle-income families

% of total household expenditures

SOURCES: Consumer Expenditure Survey for California; PPIC calculations.
NOTES: Chart shows percentage of total expenditures for the 2022-23 period. Quintiles reflect total family cash income before any cash assistance or taxes. "Gas" includes gasoline, other fuels, and motor oil.
FROM: PPIC Blog, April 2026.
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