The average household spent about $60,000 in 2018, with $9,800 of that on transportation (16%). Transportation expenditures were second only to housing (33%). The largest portion of transportation expenditures was for vehicle purchases. Gasoline and motor oil, public transportation, and other vehicle expenditures such as maintenance, repairs, insurance, etc. were also included in the transportation category.
Notes: “Other Vehicle Expenditures” includes maintenance, repairs, insurance, finance charges, rentals, leases, licenses and other charges. “Food” includes alcoholic beverages. “Others” includes personal care, reading, education, tobacco & smoking supplies, cash contributions, and miscellaneous items.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Survey website query, March 2020.