8 Ways Americans Are Saving Money to Afford High Gas Prices

When fuel costs rise faster than household wages, drivers across the country are forced to pull money from other areas of their budgets to keep their tanks filled. According to a June 2026 survey by Insurify, nearly 9 in 10 Americans sampled are making personal financial or lifestyle adjustments to deal with the high price of gasoline.

The data featured comes from an online survey commissioned by Insurify that consisted of 1,500 U.S. residents between 22 and 70 years old who own or lease a car.

Based on data from the survey, here is a detailed look at the 8 major changes drivers are making to fight high gas prices, ranked from the most common response to the least:

1. Cutting Back on Overall Household Spending (76%)

The single most common sacrifice made by drivers is trimming everyday discretionary spending. Over three-quarters of Americans are cutting back on non-essential purchases—such as dining out, leisure travel, and retail shopping—to redirect those dollars directly into their fuel tanks.

2. Driving Less (69%)

Nearly 70% of respondents are actively choosing to spend less time behind the wheel. Drivers are combining multiple errands into a single efficient trip, carpooling with colleagues, using public transit, or skipping non-vital travel altogether to conserve gas.

3. Seeking Additional Income (48%)

Nearly half of all surveyed drivers are taking active steps to boost their take-home pay. To offset expensive trips to the pump, Americans are taking on side hustles, working freelance gigs, or picking up extra shifts at their primary jobs.

4. Delaying Car Maintenance or Repairs (46%)

Nearly 46% of drivers are choosing to defer vehicle maintenance and mechanical repairs to save cash in the short term. While postponing an oil change, tire rotation, or service appointment frees up immediate funds, automotive experts warn that neglected maintenance degrades fuel economy and can lead to far costlier engine repairs down the road.

5. Taking on Debt (35%)

More than a third of Americans are resorting to taking on additional debt to cover their living and transportation costs. Many are relying heavily on high-interest credit cards to pay for gas and basic household necessities.

6. Borrowing Money from Friends or Family (33%)

One in three drivers has turned to personal support systems for financial relief. With fuel costs eating into monthly budgets, 33% of respondents report borrowing money from family members or friends to keep their finances afloat.

7. Missing or Delaying a Bill Payment (29%)

High fuel prices are forcing nearly 30% of drivers to make difficult financial trade-offs. To ensure they have enough money to buy gas for daily commutes, these households have been forced to delay or miss payments on other bills entirely.

8. Seeking Financial Assistance (28%)

More than a quarter of drivers are actively seeking external financial aid. These individuals are turning to community organizations, government assistance programs, or local charities to help manage mounting living expenses.

The EV Alternative: A Shift in Sentiment

Beyond making everyday sacrifices, high fuel costs are driving increased interest in alternative powertrains. Roughly 24% of Americans report considering an electric vehicle (EV) to insulate themselves from future price spikes at the pump. While new EV sales experienced a slowdown after federal tax credits expired in 2025, demand for used EVs surged by 54% in the first month following major gas price hikes.

Owning an electric vehicle also correlates with a noticeably lighter economic outlook. While 65% of the general public views the overall economy negatively as of mid-2026, only 40% of EV drivers share that pessimistic view—highlighting how bypassing the gas pump can positively impact everyday consumer confidence.

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