Spending · 2023
Utilities & fuels
The average U.S. household spends $4,603 a year on utilities & fuels — about 6% of the budget (2023).
$4,603
Avg per year
6%
Of total budget
+14%
Since 2019
Utilities & fuels by income (before tax)
Under $30k$3,602
$30k–50k$4,031
$50k–70k$4,403
$70k–100k$4,808
$100k–150k$5,269
$150k+$6,276
Utilities & fuels by age of reference person
Under 25$2,511
25–34$3,790
35–44$5,043
45–54$5,513
55–64$5,045
65–74$4,446
75+$4,035
Utilities & fuels by region
Northeast$4,881
Midwest$4,462
South$4,456
West$4,792
Utilities & fuels by housing tenure
Owner, with mortgage$5,728
Owner, no mortgage$5,055
Renter$3,063
Other$2,560
Utilities & fuels — FAQ
How much do Americans spend on utilities & fuels?+
In 2023, the average U.S. household spent $4,603 per year on utilities & fuels — about 6% of total spending (BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey).
Has utilities & fuels spending changed since 2019?+
Average utilities & fuels spending went from $4,045 in 2019 to $4,603 in 2023 — a +14% 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.