Spending · 2023
Shelter
The average U.S. household spends $15,312 a year on shelter — about 21% of the budget (2023).
$15,312
Avg per year
21%
Of total budget
+27%
Since 2019
Shelter by income (before tax)
Under $30k$10,751
$30k–50k$11,869
$50k–70k$13,061
$70k–100k$14,467
$100k–150k$16,796
$150k+$27,183
Shelter by age of reference person
Under 25$12,183
25–34$16,571
35–44$18,256
45–54$17,775
55–64$14,693
65–74$12,337
75+$11,812
Shelter by region
Northeast$18,675
Midwest$12,541
South$13,084
West$19,807
Shelter by housing tenure
Owner, with mortgage$19,147
Owner, no mortgage$9,322
Renter$16,605
Other$4,351
Shelter — FAQ
How much do Americans spend on shelter?+
In 2023, the average U.S. household spent $15,312 per year on shelter — about 21% of total spending (BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey).
Has shelter spending changed since 2019?+
Average shelter spending went from $12,055 in 2019 to $15,312 in 2023 — a +27% 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.