Just 16 days into the conflict with Iran, the US has already burned through over $21 billion, according to recent estimates. Pentagon briefings cited by lawmakers show $11.3 billion was spent in the first six days alone. Now, the daily cost hovers around $1 billion as operations continue.

Policy analysts note that the projected $65 billion Iran war cost could finance major domestic programs. Scioto Analysis estimates that ending homelessness in the US would require between $11 billion and $30 billion per year. This means that the same war budget could address homelessness for two to six years.

Advocates also argue that similar spending could fund expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies for nearly two years. This could help tackle homelessness, or funds could go toward rebuilding places devastated by war, including Gaza. According to reports, Gaza needs about $53 billion for recovery and reconstruction. These comparisons have fueled the growing Iran war vs homelessness debate online and in the US government.

For now, the war shows no sign of slowing, and the bill keeps rising. The US is spending $1 billion a day on the conflict. If oil prices keep rising and growth continues to slow down, risks could pile up, and the US-Iran war could trigger a recession.