By Salma El-Sakka
A new report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics details how much the average American consumer spent in 2025 across major budget categories. Overall spending averaged $81,905 for the year, or about $6,825 per month, representing a 4.3 percent increase from 2024. Five categories saw price jumps of at least 10 percent: entertainment (13.2 percent), miscellaneous vehicle expenses excluding fuel (13.3 percent), meat, poultry, fish and eggs (11.7 percent), rent (10.8 percent) and miscellaneous costs (10.3 percent).
Groceries
Consumers spent an average of $6,491 on groceries in 2025, about $541 per month. The BLS breaks this into five subcategories with average monthly spending: cereals and bakery products ($61.75); meats, poultry, fish and eggs ($131.58); dairy products ($53.67); fruits and vegetables ($82.33); and other groceries ($211.58). Alcoholic beverages are tracked separately, averaging $52.50 per month.
Housing
Housing costs averaged $27,790 annually, or $2,315.83 monthly. The largest component was rent or mortgage at $1,468.83 per month. Utilities and public services such as garbage collection averaged $410.92; household services including cleaning, childcare and maintenance averaged $169.50; housekeeping supplies $70.33; and furnishings, decor and linens $296.25.
Transportation
Transportation expenses, covering vehicle costs and public transit, averaged $8,469 per year ($705.75 monthly). Gasoline and other fuel accounted for $208.58 per month; engine fluids, parking, tolls, licensing and registration averaged $397.08; and public and other transportation $99.92.
Healthcare
Average healthcare spending reached $6,470 annually ($539.17 monthly). Health insurance premiums were the biggest item at $359.17 per month, followed by doctor visits ($105), medication ($56) and medical supplies and equipment ($19).
Clothing
Consumers spent an average of $2,010 per year on clothing, shoes, watches, jewelry and related services such as dry cleaning and repairs, amounting to $167.50 per month.
Other expenses
The BLS lists eight miscellaneous categories that together averaged $20,879 annually ($1,739.92 monthly). Major monthly averages include entertainment, electronics, pets and sports equipment ($340.33); personal care products and services ($82.17); books and magazines ($9.50); education costs such as tuition and lessons ($131.92); tobacco products ($30.42); miscellaneous ($111.25); cash gifts, child support, alimony and political donations ($186.47); and personal insurance and retirement contributions ($847.92).
