How Much We Spent on Groceries, Gas and More in 2024

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As 2024 winds down, Americans have navigated economic challenges impacting the cost of everyday items. Increasing prices at grocery stores and gas stations, combined with shifting shopping behaviors, have tightened family budgets.

Data from consumer spending reports and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics identified shipping disruptions, labor shortages and evolving consumer demands as key factors behind these price hikes. Here’s an overview of the top spending categories in 2024. 

Housing and Utilities

• Average monthly costs (rent/mortgage): $1,500 to $2,500+ depending on location

Housing remained the largest monthly expense for many families in 2024, according to Freddie Mac. Rising interest rates slowed home purchases, while a tight housing supply and expensive building materials kept prices high. Renters faced increased costs as landlords passed on higher property taxes and maintenance expenses. Additionally, utility bills rose modestly due to slight hikes in electricity and natural gas rates.

Groceries

• Average monthly spend: $700 per household

Grocery costs continued to strain budgets throughout 2024, though the rate of price increases began to slow later in the year. High costs for livestock feed and adverse weather kept fresh produce and meat prices elevated. Many families adapted by planning meals more carefully, reducing meat consumption and opting for store brands over national labels. While groceries didn’t become affordable, the slower pace of price hikes provided some relief for shoppers.

Gasoline and Transportation

• Average monthly spend: $200-$250 per vehicle

Throughout the year, gas prices in 2024 were more stable than anticipated, according to CNBC, thanks to increased energy production and a slight dip in demand as more people adopted public transit and electric vehicles. Prices hovered between $3.50 and $3.80 per gallon — higher than a few years ago — but without the sharp spikes seen previously. This stability allowed drivers to plan trips and weekend getaways with more confidence, easing some of the financial stress associated with fuel costs.

Healthcare

• Average annual out-of-pocket spend: $1,200 to $2,000 per person

The cost of health insurance kept increasing during 2024, making healthcare expensive for many. Early estimates suggest the average American spent more than $13,500 on healthcare, with out-of-pocket expenses accounting for about 10% to 12% of that amount. This figure includes the costs of hospital care, doctor’s visits, prescription medications and broader public health efforts. 

Entertainment and Streaming Services

• Average monthly spend: $50 to $100

In 2024, ticket prices for concerts, movie theaters and sports events went up, and monthly fees for streaming services also increased. Because of these higher costs, many people chose to switch to cheaper plans with ads or waited for special deals. Additionally, the prices for buying new video games and renting movies online rose. Despite these increased expenses, staying entertained at home remained a popular and affordable option for many, providing both comfort and convenience.

Dining Out and Restaurants

• Average monthly spend: $200 to $400 per household

In 2024, dining out remained a popular choice, according to a US Foods study. However, rising restaurant prices — driven by higher labor and ingredient costs — made it a more significant expense for many. As a result, some people ate out less frequently, while others opted for takeout and delivery services, which also saw price increases. 

Personal Care and Health Products

• Average monthly spend: $100 to $200 per household

In 2024, consumers allocated more of their budgets to personal care items such as toiletries, cosmetics and over-the-counter health products. The rising emphasis on wellness and self-care prompted many to opt for higher-quality or specialty brands, even as prices climbed due to supply chain disruptions and higher production costs. 

Education and Child Care

• Average monthly spend: $300 to $800 per household

For families with children, education and child care remained a major financial commitment in 2024. Rising tuition fees for private schools, growing costs of extracurricular activities and higher child care expenses accounted for 50% to 70% of many families’ total housing costs, according to Center for American Progress, making it one of the most substantial household expenses. In addition to traditional schooling, many parents invested in online learning tools and educational materials to support their children’s development, reflecting the growing importance placed on education despite increasing financial pressures.

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