2015, the average U.S. household spent $48,109 on consumption. The table then breaks down consumption

into various categories. The average U.S. household spent roughly one-third of its consumption on shelter and

other housing expenses, another one-third on food and vehicle expenses, and the rest on a variety of items, as

shown. These patterns will vary for specific households by differing levels of family income, by geography, and

by preferences.

Average Household Income before Taxes

Average Annual Expenditures

Food at home

$62,481

$48.109

$3,264

TABLE 6.1 U.S. Consumption Choices in 2015 (Source: http://www.bls.gov/cex/csxann13.pdf)

Access for free at openstax.org
Food away from home

Housing

Apparel and services

Transportation

Healthcare

Entertainment

Education

Personal insurance and pensions

6.1 • Consumption Choices 139

$2,505

$16,557

$1,700

$7,677

$3,157

$2,504

$1,074

$5,357
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