Know where your money goes, and spend on what matters.
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More than 6 in 10 dollars go to housing, transportation and food.
Your own mix may look different. The first guide shows you how to find yours.
Share of the average household's spending, 2024
- Housing33.4%
- Transportation17%
- Food12.9%
- Retirement, Social Security and life insurance12.5%
- Healthcare7.9%
- Entertainment4.6%
- Everything else11.6%
Average annual spending was $78,535. "Everything else" includes cash gifts and donations (2.9%), clothing (2.5%), education (2.0%) and smaller categories. Shares don't add to exactly 100 because of rounding.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditures--2024 (December 19, 2025)
Read the guides in this order.
- Where did my money go? A 10-minute spending audit6 min read
- Lifestyle creep: when more money still feels like not enough6 min read
- Buying time: spend money to get your hours back6 min read
- Let gratitude guide your spending5 min read
- Generosity on a budget: how to give back without overspending6 min read
- Travel on a budget, without coming home to debt7 min read