The average American household spent $13,148, or nearly 33 percent of its total expenditures on housing in 2001-2002, according to statistics released by the U.S. Census Bureau.

By comparison, residents in the West spent an average $15,150, or 34 percent of total expenditures on housing. Households in San Diego spent $17,050, or 40 percent of total expenditures on housing, and residents in San Francisco spent more than $21,000, or 38 percent during the same time period. Los Angeles households spent $17,602, or 37 percent of total expenses.

Percentage of housing expenses compared with total expenses was lower in the Midwest, with the average amount spent each year at $12,549, or 31 percent. In St. Louis, residents spent $13,220, or 31 percent of total expenses on housing, and residents of Cincinnati spent $12,912, or 32 percent. Chicago households spent $17,239, or 36 percent of total expenses.

In the South, households spent an average $11,573, or 32 percent of total expenses on housing. Residents of Houston spent $15,049, or 32 percent of total expenses on housing, and households in Atlanta spent $14,965, or 37 percent. Residents in Dallas-Fort Worth spent $15,754, or 32 percent of total expenditures on housing during the same period.

In the Northeast, residents spent an average $14,499, or 35 percent of total annual expenses on housing. New York City households spent $18,668, or 37 percent on housing, and Boston residents spent $14,693, or 37 percent. Pittsburgh, Pa., residents spent $12,018, or 29 percent of total expenditures on housing.

The data comes from the Census Bureau’s Consumer Expenditure Survey, which also tracks how much Americans spend on groceries, clothing, health care and transportation. The Census Bureau said it will collect new information from 7,500 households once every three months over a one-year period.

***

Send tips or a Letter to the Editor to jessica@inman.com or call (510) 658-9252, ext. 133.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×