As the midterm elections approach, the top issue for voters is affordability and cost of living. Voters want candidates to talk about how they will address costs, and Democrats and Republicans are focusing their messaging on kitchen table issues, from energy prices and healthcare bills to grocery expenses and housing costs.

One cost that receives far less attention is the price of software. Over the last year, software costs have risen by more than 17% — the largest increase on record according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This “software tax” may not be as immediately visible as the numbers on a gas station sign or a grocery receipt, but since software is embedded in just about everything, this tax quietly drives up costs for consumers and businesses alike.

While some of these costs can be justified by investments in AI products, it’s robust competition that needs more attention. There are certain dominant players whose pricing........

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