Spending · 2023
Reading
The average U.S. household spends $79 a year on reading — about 0% of the budget (2023).
$79
Avg per year
0%
Of total budget
+13%
Since 2019
Reading by income (before tax)
Under $30k$52
$30k–50k$54
$50k–70k$57
$70k–100k$62
$100k–150k$132
$150k+$140
Reading by age of reference person
Under 25$30
25–34$46
35–44$79
45–54$67
55–64$48
65–74$97
75+$184
Reading by region
Northeast$105
Midwest$76
South$49
West$121
Reading by housing tenure
Owner, with mortgage$89
Owner, no mortgage$106
Renter$49
Other$41
Reading — FAQ
How much do Americans spend on reading?+
In 2023, the average U.S. household spent $79 per year on reading — about 0% of total spending (BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey).
Has reading spending changed since 2019?+
Average reading spending went from $70 in 2019 to $79 in 2023 — a +13% 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.