208-664-8980

1875 N. Lakewood Dr.
Suite 102
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Money

The Average American Budget

The Average American Budget

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household earns an average of $101,805 a year before taxes and spends almost 80% of their available income on basic necessities such as housing, food, and clothing. So, how does your household compare?

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025

Housing

The average American spends roughly 33% of their income on shelter. This can include property rent, mortgage interest, property taxes, maintenance, repairs, and home insurance.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
33%

of the average American budget

$20,091

Transportation

Americans spend an average of 17% of their total income on transportation, including the purchase and upkeep of their vehicle.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
17%

of the average American budget

$9,761

Food

Whether cooking at home or eating out, Americans spend an average of 13% of their income on food.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
13%

of the average American budget

$7,203

Insurance

After the “basic needs” are covered, Americans spend an average of 12% of their income on personal insurance and pensions.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
12%

of the average American budget

$6,831

Healthcare and Health Insurance

The average American household spends an average of 8% of their total income on health care and health insurance.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
8%

of the average American budget

$4,968

Entertainment

At the end of the day, Americans still manage to spend an average of 5% of their income on entertainment.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
5%

of the average American budget

$3,226

Cash Contributions

Americans value charitable giving by spending an average of 3% of their income on cash contributions.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
3%

of the average American budget

$1,888

Apparel

Finally, Americans spend 3% of their total income on apparel.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
3%

of the average American budget

$1,866

 

Related Content

Where Is the Market Headed?

Where Is the Market Headed?

We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, "What's next for the financial markets?"

Forecast

Forecast

This short video helps explain why markets can be as unpredictable as the weather.

Making a Charitable Gift

Making a Charitable Gift

Did you know that there are benefits and limitations when you decide to donate stock? Learn more about your options.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Fixed or Variable Mortgage, Which Should You Pick?

When selecting a mortgage, one of the most critical choices is between a fixed or variable interest-rate mortgage.

Why Everyone Needs an Estate Strategy

Do you have an estate strategy? You should.

Estate Strategies of the Rich and Famous

The examples of famous celebrities underline the need for a clear estate strategy.

View all articles

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

How Compound Interest Works

Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do

Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.

View all calculators

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

Should You Ever Retire?

A growing number of Americans are pushing back the age at which they plan to retire. Or deciding not to retire at all.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

View all videos