Average Housing Expenses
The average U.S. household spent $26,266 on housing in 2024 (BLS) — about $2,189 a month, or 33.4% of total spending. This covers shelter, utilities, furnishings and household operations.
Average annual housing expenses were $26,266 in 2024 (about $2,189/month), the largest single category at 33.4% of household spending.
- Per year$26,266
- Per month~$2,189
- Share of spending33.4%
- IncludesShelter, utilities, furnishings
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2024
What “housing” includes in this figure
The BLS housing category is broader than rent or mortgage. It includes shelter (rent, mortgage interest, property taxes, maintenance), utilities and fuels, household furnishings and equipment, and household operations (including some child care). It is an average across owners and renters, so it blends paid-off homeowners with high-rent households.
Housing spending in context (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average annual housing spending | $26,266 |
| Average monthly | ~$2,189 |
| Share of total household spending | 33.4% |
| Total household spending | $78,535 |
BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2024. Monthly value is a NumberBench calculation (annual ÷ 12).
Frequently asked questions
How much does the average household spend on housing?
About $26,266 a year in 2024 — roughly $2,189 a month, or 33.4% of total spending (BLS).
Does this include utilities?
Yes. The BLS housing category includes shelter, utilities and fuels, furnishings, and household operations.
Is housing really a third of spending?
Yes — at 33.4%, housing is by far the largest spending category for the average U.S. household.
How does this compare to the 30% rule?
The 30%-of-income guideline refers to gross income; the 33.4% here is a share of total spending, so the two are not directly comparable.
Sources & methodology
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2024.
Values are BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2024 annual averages per consumer unit; the monthly figure is a NumberBench calculation.
Last checked July 2026 · Refreshed annually with the BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey.