Consumer Spending Statistics for 2026

Considered by many economists to be the most important short-run determinant of economic performance, consumer spending is the driving force behind the U.S. economy. It encompasses all individual and household purchases of services and goods. In the ideal economy, it should be equal to aggregate economic output. 

From inflation to deflation, consumer spending reflects the state of the economy in the US. It holds the economy back when consumer trust is low and pushes it forward during periods of prosperity.

Top Consumer Spending Figures - Editor’s Choice for 2026

• Consumer spending makes up about 67.6% of economic activity in the United States as of Q1 2026.
• Consumer spending in the US was up 2.4% in 2025 compared to 2024.
• The average American household spends 33.2% of its income on housing in 2025/2026.
• On average, consumers in the bottom 60% of earners spend more than they earn.
• Americans make five impulse purchases per month.

US consumer spending on home entertainment reached $49.2 billion by the end of 2025.

(Statista)

After hitting a 12-year low in 2014, the amount US consumers spend on home entertainment rose steadily with each subsequent year. This increase was attributed primarily to the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Max, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime.

In 2025 alone, the overall consumer spending on digital entertainment rose by 11% compared to the year before, driven by the expansion of ad-supported tiers and live sports integration.

The average American household spent 33.2% of its income on housing in 2025.

(United States Bureau of Labor)

The latest data shows that money spent on housing still represented the biggest expense for most consumers. While the percentage was steadily dropping in previous years, down from 34.9% in 2020, it saw a slight uptick in 2025 due to persistent mortgage rates and limited inventory.

The median household income after taxes is $84,120.

(Census Bureau)

The latest government data shows that the median household income after taxes increased by 3.2% in 2025 compared to 2024.

US consumers spend at least $19,400 per year on non-essential items.

(SWNS)

An American consumer could spend over $1.2 million on non-essential purchases during his or her lifetime. This means US consumers spend around $1,616 per month on things like eating in restaurants, drinking with friends, rideshare trips, and subscription boxes.

72% of US consumers believe they could be smarter with their money.

(SWNS)

This shows that US citizens at least understand that they aren’t being wise with their spending. However, about 26% of consumers also conceded that they don’t have a budget in 2025. This shows that there is a long way to go from acknowledging the issue to actually resolving it.

On average, Americans make five impulse purchases every month.

(SWNS)

These purchases amount to $114 per month in 2026. Despite this, 61% of consumers feel like they don’t have enough money to afford more important things, or indeed to put money aside in the form of long-term savings.

The average consumer in the bottom 60% of earners spends more than he or she earns.

(United States Bureau of Labor)

The same research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that serious over-spending is a problem for consumers younger than 25 and older than 65. In general, American citizens tend to spend more than they earn, which is why managing your funds properly is more important than ever.

Consumer spending made up about 67.6% of economic activity in the United States in 2025.

(AP News)

Government data shows without doubt that consumer spending is the biggest driving factor behind the US economy, especially during economic recoveries.

Consumer spending in the US is up 2.4% from 2024.

(Bureau of Economic Analysis)

The latest statistics show the upward trend in motion is likely to continue throughout the next few years, even though the persistence of high interest rates slowed down the overall spending.

Healthcare expenditure in 2025 reached $5.2 trillion.

(Peter G. Peterson Foundation)

The newest data shows that healthcare costs now represent 18.4% of the national economy, more than double the average of other wealthy countries.

Consumer optimism by the start of 2026 rose to 51%.

(McKinsey)

This represented a sharp 4% increase compared to late 2024, signaling a stabilization in consumer sentiment regarding long-term inflation.

The average household reduced its total active digital subscriptions to 5.8 in 2026.

(Deloitte)

This is a notable drop from the 7.2 subscriptions averaged in 2024. The data reflects a rising subscription fatigue as consumers consolidate services to combat bloat and manage monthly recurring costs more aggressively.