Average Transportation Expenses
The average U.S. household spent $13,318 on transportation in 2024 (BLS) — about $1,110 a month, and the second-largest budget category at 17% of spending. Vehicle purchases, gas and insurance are the biggest pieces.
Average annual transportation spending was $13,318 in 2024 (about $1,110/month), roughly 17% of household spending.
- Per year$13,318
- Per month~$1,110
- Share of spending~17%
- Rank2nd-largest category
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2024
What transportation spending covers
The BLS transportation category includes vehicle purchases (net outlay on new and used cars), gasoline and motor oil, other vehicle expenses (insurance, maintenance, finance charges, registration) and public transportation. It is an average across households with and without vehicles, so car-owning households typically spend more than the mean.
Transportation spending in context (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average annual transportation spending | $13,318 |
| Average monthly | ~$1,110 |
| Share of total spending | ~17% |
| Related: average miles/vehicle/year | 10,787 |
BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2024; mileage from FHWA. Monthly value is a NumberBench calculation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the average household spend on transportation?
About $13,318 a year in 2024 — roughly $1,110 a month, or 17% of spending (BLS).
What is included in transportation spending?
Vehicle purchases, gasoline, insurance, maintenance and finance charges, plus public transportation.
Why is transportation so expensive?
Vehicle purchases and financing, fuel, and insurance add up; for many households a car is the second-biggest cost after housing.
How can I estimate my own transportation cost?
Start with your annual mileage and fuel economy, then add insurance, maintenance and any loan payment. See the cost-of-ownership calculator.
Sources & methodology
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2024.
Values are BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2024 annual averages; the monthly figure is a NumberBench calculation. Mileage context is from FHWA Highway Statistics 2024.
Last checked July 2026 · Refreshed annually with the BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey.