Average back-to-school spending per household in the U.S. 2024

The average planned back-to-school spending per household in the United States gradually increased year-on-year, reaching about 890 U.S. dollars in 2023. While this was an increase of over 400 dollars since the beginning of the survey period in 2004, the numbers had begun to fall back down by 2024. That year, U.S. consumers planned to spend an average of 875 U.S. dollars on back-to-school purchases.

Spending breakdown

In 2024, parents planned to spend the most on electronics or computer-related equipment, with average household spending expected to reach just over 309 U.S. dollars. Although parents relied on several kinds of outlets for back-to-school supplies, the leading location for such items was online. More than half of respondents planned to undertake their shopping there. Department stores stood in second place.

Back-to-school vs. back-to-college spending

While parents planned to spend hundreds of dollars to send their children back to school, college students and their families were willing to spend even more. In 2024, the average household spend for back-to-college was expected to equal more than 1,300 U.S. dollars.