Is transportation a top household expense in the US?

Transportation expenditures are the second-highest expense for households nationwide, trailing only what they spend on housing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

In 2023 average overall household spending was $77,280, an almost 6% increase from 2022. Of those expenses, housing costs accounted for nearly 33%, around $25,436, while transportation accounted for 17%, about $13,174. Food expenses followed at about 13% of total expenses, at almost $10,000. 

Households spent an average of $12,300 on transportation in 2022, with increases attributed to greater spending on public transportation and an increase in vehicle purchases. Money spent on gasoline decreased 44% between 2022 and 2023. 

Denver metro area households spent an average of $94,236 per year in 2022 and 2023. During the same period, they spent about $15,300 annually on transportation costs, the vast majority on purchasing and maintaining private vehicles. Housing, transportation and food accounted for 63% of household spending.