Purchasing power: one in two French people struggle to live with dignity, according to a barometer

One in two French people feel they struggle to live adequately and with dignity on their household income. This is the main finding of the first Living Standards Barometer, published Wednesday, November 4, 2026, by the Jean-Jaurès Foundation and the Living Standards Pact. Based on a survey of 12,000 people, this study reveals difficulties that extend beyond purchasing power alone, affecting food, housing, healthcare, and social support.

Economic insecurity affects a significant portion of the French population, far beyond those officially classified as poor. According to the first Living Standards Barometer, conducted by Ipsos-BVA from September 3 to 10, 2026, 50% of French respondents reported experiencing difficulties living decently and with dignity. This finding reflects a sense of economic vulnerability that far exceeds the monetary poverty rate, which is over 15% of the population. The study, which also draws on public statistical data, examines fourteen dimensions of daily life to understand the challenges faced by households.

The consequences are particularly visible in food spending. Over the past six months, half of respondents say they have, at least occasionally, forgone buying food of their preferred quality for financial reasons. Even more concerning, 19% report having had to skip meals. These trade-offs show that budget constraints are no longer limited to leisure activities or non-essential purchases. For some households, they directly impact basic needs. Concerns about the future also remain high: 59% of respondents fear an increase in energy prices, 45% in transportation costs, and 44% in food prices.

Housing and health are at the heart of the concerns

Housing represents another significant source of financial uncertainty. According to the barometer, 21% of French people fear that their housing expenses, whether rent or mortgage payments, will negatively impact their standard of living in the coming years. This concern affects 42% of renters, compared to only 9% of homeowners. Economic difficulties can also impact family plans. One in five parents reports having already abandoned a desired educational or training path for their children, primarily due to the cost or lack of suitable options near their home.

Access to healthcare is also a major concern. More than half of respondents, 54%, expressed concern about the state of public hospitals, while 51% cited excessively long waiting times for medical appointments or treatment. Working conditions also contribute to the feeling of a decline in daily life. Among those employed for at least five years, 44% believe their working conditions have worsened over this period. Conversely, only 11% feel they have improved. The survey thus highlights how economic hardship can compound professional constraints and problems accessing essential services.

More than one in three French people lack support when facing difficulties

The barometer also highlights the fragility of personal support networks. According to the study, 35% of respondents feel they cannot rely on enough close friends or family for financial, material, or emotional support in times of hardship. This situation particularly affects those aged 35 to 59. Among 35- to 49-year-olds, 40% report a lack of support, a proportion that reaches 42% among 50- to 59-year-olds. Manual laborers are also more vulnerable, with 43% of respondents expressing this feeling. These results show that social vulnerability depends not only on income but also on the ability to mobilize one's support network when difficulties arise.

The survey also reveals a very negative perception of the social climate. No less than 95% of respondents consider themselves to live in a conflict-ridden society. When asked about the main sources of tension, 59% cite insecurity and incivility, 42% economic and social inequalities, and 32% a feeling of injustice. To build a more peaceful society, those surveyed prioritize the safety of people and property, cited by 42% of respondents. This is followed by a perceived fairness of justice and respect for common rules, both mentioned by 39% of participants, and then the reduction of inequalities, at 31%.

A social observation a few months before the 2027 presidential election

The publication of this barometer comes amid budgetary debates and just months before the 2027 presidential election. The Pact for the Power to Live and the Jean-Jaurès Foundation hope that political leaders will take greater account of the daily struggles of the French people when developing their programs. The two organizations believe that traditional economic indicators do not always capture the full range of constraints faced by households. They specifically call for the integration of issues such as access to healthcare, housing, working conditions, and social solidarity into discussions on public finances.

The results, however, must be interpreted by distinguishing between perceived difficulties and statistically measured poverty. Reporting difficulty in living with dignity does not necessarily mean being below the official poverty line. Rather, the survey highlights the extent of the feeling of vulnerability in French society, including among those with jobs or regular incomes. With one in two respondents reporting difficulties in living decently, this first Living Standards Barometer sheds new light on the economic and social concerns that could become central to public debates in the coming months.