Comprehensive Financial Solutions, Inc.

440-343-4223

Money

The Average American Budget

The Average American Budget

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household earns an average of $82,852 a year before taxes and spends almost 80% of their available income on basic necessities such as housing, food, and clothing.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021

Housing

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

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
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, 2021
16%

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, 2021
13%

of the average American budget

$7,203

Insurance

After the “basic needs” are covered, Americans spend an average of 11.4% of their income on personal insurance and pensions.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
12%

of the average American budget

$6,831

Healthcare and Health Insurance

The average American household spends an average of 8.2% of their total income on health care and health insurance.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
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, 2021
4%

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, 2021
3%

of the average American budget

$1,888

Apparel

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

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
3%

of the average American budget

$1,866

 

Related Content

Disability and Your Finances

Disability and Your Finances

In the event of an unforeseen accident or illness, disability insurance may be a good way to protect your income and savings.

Surprise! You’ve Got Money!

Surprise! You’ve Got Money!

Here’s a quick guide to checking to see if you have unclaimed money.

Assess Life Insurance Needs

Assess Life Insurance Needs

How to help determine life insurance needs to provide for your family after you pass away.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

How Will Working Affect Social Security Benefits?

Knowing the rules may help you decide when to start benefits.

Conquering Retirement Challenges for Women

Looking ahead can help you conquer these unique obstacles.

Important Birthdays Over 50

Here's a look at several birthdays and “half-birthdays” that have implications regarding your retirement income.

View all articles

Disability Income

This calculator estimates your chances of becoming disabled and your potential need for disability insurance.

A Look at Systematic Withdrawals

This calculator may help you estimate how long funds may last given regular withdrawals.

My Retirement Savings

Estimate how long your retirement savings may last using various monthly cash flow rates.

View all calculators

Principles of Preserving Wealth

How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.

Managing Your Lifestyle

Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

View all presentations

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

The Other Sure Thing

Though we don’t like to think about it, all of us will make an exit sometime. Are you prepared?

Suddenly Single: 3 Steps to Take Now

Have you found yourself suddenly single? Here are 3 steps to take right now.

View all videos