Spending · 2023
Transportation
The average U.S. household spends $13,060 a year on transportation — about 18% of the budget (2023).
$13,060
Avg per year
18%
Of total budget
+25%
Since 2019
Transportation by income (before tax)
Under $30k$7,355
$30k–50k$8,346
$50k–70k$11,006
$70k–100k$13,359
$100k–150k$17,796
$150k+$24,335
Transportation by age of reference person
Under 25$10,390
25–34$12,606
35–44$15,182
45–54$17,123
55–64$14,396
65–74$10,904
75+$6,493
Transportation by region
Northeast$13,732
Midwest$12,410
South$12,165
West$14,732
Transportation by housing tenure
Owner, with mortgage$17,713
Owner, no mortgage$11,939
Renter$9,014
Other$7,571
Transportation — FAQ
How much do Americans spend on transportation?+
In 2023, the average U.S. household spent $13,060 per year on transportation — about 18% of total spending (BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey).
Has transportation spending changed since 2019?+
Average transportation spending went from $10,461 in 2019 to $13,060 in 2023 — a +25% 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.