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The average American household spent $78,535 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey. That is the figure behind almost every buying decision on this site, so it is worth knowing where the money actually goes before you shop.
Every number on this page comes from federal survey data. The source and year are named next to each one, and nothing here is estimated or rounded up to make a point.
Key household spending statistics
- Average annual household spending in the United States was $78,535 in 2024.
- Housing took the largest share at $26,266, or 33.4 cents of every dollar spent.
- Transportation came second at $13,318 (17.0%).
- Food accounted for $10,169 (12.9%).
- Spending on owned dwellings rose 7.0% against 2023, and rented dwellings rose 5.4%.
- Apparel and services was one of the smallest categories at $2,001, just 2.5% of the total.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditures – 2024.
Where the money goes, category by category
| Category | Average spend (2024) | Share of total |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $26,266 | 33.4% |
| Transportation | $13,318 | 17.0% |
| Food | $10,169 | 12.9% |
| Personal insurance and pensions | $9,797 | 12.5% |
| Healthcare | $6,197 | 7.9% |
| Entertainment | $3,609 | 4.6% |
| Apparel and services | $2,001 | 2.5% |
| Education | $1,569 | 2.0% |
| All categories | $78,535 | 100% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditures – 2024. Shares are calculated from the published category totals.
What this means when you are shopping
Housing and transport together take half the budget before anything else is bought. That is why the spread on discretionary goods is so tight, and why a bad buy in a mid-priced category stings.
Two practical readings. First, the categories with the smallest budgets are the ones where paying a little more for something that lasts pays back fastest, because you are not replacing it often. Apparel at $2,001 a year is a good example. Second, housing costs rose faster than most other lines, at 7.0% for owned homes, so anything that lowers a running household cost competes directly with a one-off purchase.
If you are working through a household budget, our home and living guides and kitchen guides are organised by price band for that reason.
How often this data is updated
The Consumer Expenditure Survey is published once a year by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 2024 tables are the most recent full release at the time of writing. We check this page when a new release lands and update the figures and the year together, rather than leaving old numbers under a new date.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average household spending in the United States?
Average annual household spending was $78,535 in 2024, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey. These household spending statistics cover all consumer units, which includes single people living alone as well as families.
What do Americans spend the most money on?
Housing, at $26,266 a year, or 33.4% of total spending. Transportation is second at $13,318 and food is third at $10,169.
How much do Americans spend on clothes each year?
Apparel and services came to $2,001 per household in 2024, which is 2.5% of average annual spending.
Is this data adjusted for inflation?
The figures above are in current dollars, as published. The BLS release notes the year on year changes separately, such as the 7.0% rise in spending on owned dwellings between 2023 and 2024.
Sources
- Consumer Expenditures – 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Consumer Expenditure Surveys, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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