The average planned back-to-school spending per household in the United States gradually increased year-on-year, reaching about * U.S. dollars in 2023. While this was an increase of over * dollars since the beginning of the survey period in 2004, the numbers had begun to fall back down by 2026. That year, U.S. consumers planned to spend an average of *** U.S. dollars on back-to-school purchases.
Spending breakdown
In 2025, parents planned to spend the most on electronics or computer-related equipment, with average household spending expected to reach just over *** U.S. dollars. Although parents relied on several kinds of outlets for back-to-school supplies, the leading location for such items was online. More than **** of respondents planned to undertake their shopping there. Department stores stood in second place.
Back-to-school vs. back-to-college spending
While parents planned to spend hundreds of dollars to send their children back to school, college students and their families were willing to spend even more. In 2025, the average household spend for back-to-college was expected to equal more than U.S. dollars.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ can support your business.
National Retail Federation. (July 15, 2026). Average planned back-to-school spending per household in the United States from 2004 to 2026 (in U.S. dollars) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 20, 2026, from /statistics/286432/average-back-to-school-spending-in-the-us/
National Retail Federation. "Average planned back-to-school spending per household in the United States from 2004 to 2026 (in U.S. dollars)." Chart. July 15, 2026. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 20, 2026. /statistics/286432/average-back-to-school-spending-in-the-us/
National Retail Federation. (2026). Average planned back-to-school spending per household in the United States from 2004 to 2026 (in U.S. dollars). ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 20, 2026. /statistics/286432/average-back-to-school-spending-in-the-us/
National Retail Federation. "Average Planned Back-to-school Spending per Household in The United States from 2004 to 2026 (in U.S. Dollars)." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 15 Jul 2026, /statistics/286432/average-back-to-school-spending-in-the-us/
National Retail Federation, Average planned back-to-school spending per household in the United States from 2004 to 2026 (in U.S. dollars) ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/286432/average-back-to-school-spending-in-the-us/ (last visited July 20, 2026)
Average planned back-to-school spending per household in the United States from 2004 to 2026 (in U.S. dollars) [Graph], National Retail Federation, July 15, 2026. [Online]. Available: /statistics/286432/average-back-to-school-spending-in-the-us/
