Research investigation / October 23, 2026
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Surveys estimate that the average U.S. consumer unit spent $26,266 on housing in 2024, representing 33.4% of its $78,535 average annual expenditures. Consumer units are not exactly equivalent to Census households. Housing includes multiple components beyond rent or mortgage payments.
BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2024
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Housing accounted for 33.4% of average annual expenditures of U.S. consumer units in 2024, or $26,266 out of $78,535.
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