Spending · 2023
Education
The average U.S. household spends $1,705 a year on education — about 2% of the budget (2023).
$1,705
Avg per year
2%
Of total budget
+22%
Since 2019
Education by income (before tax)
Under $30k$875
$30k–50k$475
$50k–70k$777
$70k–100k$1,281
$100k–150k$1,763
$150k+$5,104
Education by age of reference person
Under 25$2,940
25–34$1,630
35–44$2,550
45–54$2,770
55–64$1,744
65–74$324
75+$363
Education by region
Northeast$2,712
Midwest$1,411
South$1,531
West$1,589
Education by housing tenure
Owner, with mortgage$2,663
Owner, no mortgage$1,089
Renter$1,172
Other$929
Education — FAQ
How much do Americans spend on education?+
In 2023, the average U.S. household spent $1,705 per year on education — about 2% of total spending (BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey).
Has education spending changed since 2019?+
Average education spending went from $1,398 in 2019 to $1,705 in 2023 — a +22% 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.