Indians are bullish about 2026, expecting to pocket higher disposable incomes in the coming year, according to the latest Ipsos Cost of Living Monitor. Indians have outperformed all 30 markets surveyed by the agency and the finding comes against the backdrop of a tough year globally when geo-political tensions between Gaza and Ukraine, stringent trade policies enforced by the Trump administration, and persistent job cuts across various industries complicated the situation.
Explaining the factors driving this optimism, Suresh Ramalingam, CEO, Ipsos India, explained how India’s economic trajectory plays a key role in influencing public perception. India continued to be among the fastest-growing major economies in the world, recording gross domestic growth of more than 6.5 per cent, cementing its position as the world’s fourth-largest economy. With a majority of India’s population under the age of 35, the youth power played a crucial role in driving job opportunities in both traditional and emerging sectors of the market.
What about inflation
On the inflation front, one in two Indians expect prices to rise in 2026, reflecting that concerns surrounding affordability and price pressures remain rooted deeply in public perception.
According to respondents, the cost of living is being driven by multiple factors. Rising costs have been attributed to various factors such as interest rates, wage pressures owing to increased demand for higher pay, ongoing strain in the global economy, and persistent consequences of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict.
When it comes to household expectations, nearly half of the population anticipates an increase in expenses over the next six months. These expectations reflect that while optimism on income growth remains firm, households want to stay better prepared in case of any recurring or unavoidable expenses.
Finance trouble
When evaluating the overall financial situation of the households, the survey reflects that majority of Indians are able to make ends meet. However, 21 per cent of citizens face trouble in managing their finances, directing attention to a segment of the population that still remains vulnerable to economic shifts despite the larger narrative of national optimism.
In essence, while these findings reflect India’s strong economic fundamentals, demographic strength driven by the youth of our nation, and an optimistic workforce, it also sheds light on realities such as inflation, global instability and uneven global recovery. The data reflects an optimistic yet mindful population, operating cautiously in today’s global landscape.
Who did Ipsos interview
Ipsos interviewed 23,772 adults aged 18 years and older in India. It was 18-74 in Canada, Republic of Ireland, Malaysia, South Africa, Türkiye, and the United States; 20-74 in Thailand; 21-74 in Indonesia and Singapore; and 16-74 in all other countries. The interactions took place between August 22 and September 5, 2025.
What was the survey sample size
The sample consists of approximately 1,000 individuals each in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Spain, Türkiye, and the US. The number falls to 500 individuals each in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Hungary, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, and Thailand. For India, the sample consisted of approximately 2,200 individuals, of whom approximately 1,800 were interviewed face-to-face and 400 were online.
The year was characterised by geo-political tensions between Gaza and Ukraine, stringent trade policies enforced by the Trump administration, and persistent job cuts across various industries. (File Photo) 
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