With costs for gas, groceries and other just about everything else soaring, people are cutting back on spending to make ends meet. But what’s the last thing U.S. consumers would give up?

Gas prices have surpassed $4 on a nation-wide average and food prices and energy costs are up 5 percent. With expenses for everyday necessities steadily rising, American families are tightening their budgets and their spending.

So what treats and habits did most say they could simply not live without?

Although she is cutting back, Rose Holley says shopping is something she will continue to do.

Randy Bogan hopes he won’t have to discontinue his cable television.

When times are tough, some of life's pleasures have to go. Americans are changing their spending habits and everything from vacations, to coffee is being affected, yet certain habits are tough to break.

Groceries can be some of the hardest things to cut back on.

“Being a vegetarian, there are certain foods that I don't want to give up just because the food is kinda pricey,” said Bogan. “But being a vegetarian is necessary in my house

Also necessary to many people is a comfy living environment. .

“You gotta keep it cool in the house,” said Holley. “You can't cut back on A/C so much.”

For some, there are more important things than self-comforts.

Well, the things that are necessary to do are the things your children do,” said Jeanette reed. “It's something I don't want to give up.”

As prices keep rising, many find themselves stopping less frequently for special luxuries like going out to restaurants and traveling to distant destinations for vacations.