Average Household Budget Percentages
Real U.S. households spend about 33% on housing, 17% on transportation and 13% on food (BLS, 2024). That is close to, but not the same as, the popular 50/30/20 budgeting rule.
The average household budget is roughly housing 33%, transportation 17%, food 13%, with the remaining ~37% split across healthcare, insurance, entertainment and everything else (BLS, 2024).
- Housing33.4%
- Transportation17.0%
- Food12.9%
- All other36.7%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2024
Actual spending shares vs. budgeting rules
These are actual average spending shares from the BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey — what households really spend, not what a rule recommends. They differ from prescriptive frameworks like 50/30/20 (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings), which are targets rather than measured behavior. Shares are computed on total spending, not after-tax income, so they do not include saving.
Average budget share by category (2024)
| Category | Share of spending |
|---|---|
| Housing | 33.4% |
| Transportation | 17.0% |
| Food | 12.9% |
| Healthcare | ~8% |
| Personal insurance & pensions | ~12% |
| Entertainment | ~5% |
| Everything else | ~11.7% |
BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2024. Housing, transportation and food are exact published shares; smaller categories are approximate.
How this compares with 50/30/20
The 50/30/20 rule splits after-tax income into 50% needs, 30% wants and 20% savings. Measured spending looks different because housing and transportation — mostly “needs” — already absorb about half of outlays before food and healthcare. Use the shares here as a reality check, then set targets that fit your income and goals.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of income should go to housing?
The common guideline is no more than 30% of gross income. In practice, average households spend about 33% of their total spending on housing.
What is the average household budget breakdown?
Roughly housing 33%, transportation 17%, food 13%, with the rest across healthcare, insurance, pensions, entertainment and other needs.
Is 50/30/20 realistic?
It is a helpful target, but many households — especially in high-cost areas — spend more than 50% on needs, leaving less for savings.
Do these percentages include savings?
No. They are shares of spending. Saving and taxes are tracked separately by the BLS.
Sources & methodology
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2024.
Housing, transportation and food shares are exact BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2024 values. Smaller-category shares are approximate from the same release.
Last checked July 2026 · Refreshed annually with the BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey.