Spending · 2023
Cash contributions
The average U.S. household spends $2,359 a year on cash contributions — about 3% of the budget (2023).
$2,359
Avg per year
3%
Of total budget
+16%
Since 2019
Cash contributions by income (before tax)
Under $30k$995
$30k–50k$1,668
$50k–70k$2,088
$70k–100k$2,341
$100k–150k$2,298
$150k+$5,590
Cash contributions by age of reference person
Under 25$479
25–34$1,002
35–44$1,776
45–54$2,407
55–64$3,283
65–74$2,845
75+$3,624
Cash contributions by region
Northeast$2,416
Midwest$2,130
South$2,004
West$3,196
Cash contributions by housing tenure
Owner, with mortgage$2,378
Owner, no mortgage$3,853
Renter$1,136
Other$1,544
Cash contributions — FAQ
How much do Americans spend on cash contributions?+
In 2023, the average U.S. household spent $2,359 per year on cash contributions — about 3% of total spending (BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey).
Has cash contributions spending changed since 2019?+
Average cash contributions spending went from $2,025 in 2019 to $2,359 in 2023 — a +16% change (nominal dollars).
Where does this come from?+
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey (Interview + Diary, integrated). Independent estimates computed from the CE PUMD microdata (re-derived from UCC-level detail); major categories track BLS's published tables within a few percent. PUMSdata is not affiliated with BLS.