How Americans Spend Their Money

This pie chart shows Americans’ average annual expenditures by category, according to a 2024 survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Almost half of consumer spending goes toward housing and transportation, while the smallest amounts go toward things like reading and personal care. Do any of the results surprise you?

^{How Americans Spend Their Money}

^{Housing $26,300; Transportation $13,300; Personal insurance & pensions $9,800; Health care $6,200; Food at home $6,200; Food away from home $3,900; Entertainment $3,600; Cash gifts & donations $2,300; Misc. $2,200; Clothing $2,000; Education $1,600; Personal care products & services $1,000; Reading $125}