Middle-class Americans are paying for the data center and AI boom with higher electric bills and even food costs, Goldman Sachs warns

Data center deals crested above $61 billion in 2025 as hyperscalers rushed to expand their computational power in the AI race. But middle-class Americans aren’t the only ones footing a chunk of the bill to power these centers. The trickle-down inflation from higher business production costs are likely going to bump up the prices of food, transportation, and even clothing, according to Goldman Sachs analysts—putting already cash-strapped Americans in an even bigger pinch.

In a note to clients on Wednesday...