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
The Richest Man in Babylon

The Richest Man in Babylon

In good times and bad, consistently saving a percentage of your income is a sound financial practice.
What Smart Investors Know

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
The Power of Compound Interest

The Power of Compound Interest

Learn how to harness the power of compound interest for your investments.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Should You Ever Retire?

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.
What to Do When You Lose Your Wallet

What to Do When You Lose Your Wallet

Ever lost your wallet? Frustrating. Here’s what you can do to keep yourself safe.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It’s easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
Suddenly Single: 3 Steps to Take Now

Suddenly Single: 3 Steps to Take Now

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

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What’s the difference?

Contact us

What can we do for you?

Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how our portfolio management services can help you reach your financial goals.

Tell us how we can help you today

Name*


Message:

By providing a telephone number and submitting the form, you consent to be contacted via SMS from Saxon Interests Inc. Message frequency may vary. Message & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out of further messaging. Reply HELP for more information.