The rising cost of living continues to burden residents across various regions in the U.S. and New Zealand. In New York, the Doxo Cost of Bills Index ranks it as the seventh most expensive state, with U.S. News placing it 45th in affordability, exacerbating struggles for families and small business owners. Rochester faces a housing crisis, particularly for low-income households, with a significant gap between available housing and residents' incomes, as reported by the Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative. Meanwhile, East Auckland's Pakuranga and Howick Budgeting Service has seen increased demand for financial assistance due to high living costs and rising debts amid economic uncertainty. In Minnesota, candidates in House races are prioritizing affordability in their campaigns, with different approaches to addressing the issue of rising taxes and housing availability. The overall sentiment from these reports highlights a pervasive affordability crisis affecting many communities globally.