M(d) - Cellphone-Childcare-Travel Spending flyer

U.S. CELL PHONE, CHILD CARE,
AND TRAVEL EXPENSES
Consumer Expenditure Survey

Of the money families with children spent
on child care, apparel, and education,
around 50% was on child care. These data
are from 2012 to 2016.

In 2018, average annual spending
peaked at 45 to 54 years old, but was
lower in older ages.
Average Annual Expenditures by Age

Shares of Child-Related Expenses among
Families with Children, by Region
Child care
National

49%

Apparel

In thousands

Education

26%

71.2

25%

75.4
66.2
56.3

56.5

54%

Northeast
West
Midwest

27%

25%

23%

24%

48%

45%

25%

32.0

29%

27%

50%

43.2

AF
T

South

23%

Under 25-34
25 years years

Source: Consumer Expenditure data, 2012-2016

R
Monthly Cell
Phone Cost

D

$15,000 to $29,999

$55

$30,000 to $39,999
$40,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $69,999
$70,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$150,000 to $199,999
$200,000 and more
Source: 2018 Consumer Expenditure Survey

65-74
years

75
years
and older

Source: 2018 Consumer Expenditure Survey

Cellular services cost on average $99 a
month in 2018. Costs ranged from $55
to $161 depending on income level,
with higher costs for households with
higher annual incomes.
Income
Level

35-44 45-54 55-64
years years years

Annual Travel Costs in 2018

Food away from home

$3,459

$78

Gasoline, other fuels, and motor oil

$88

$2,109
$105

Public and other transportation
$124

$818

$143
$154
$161

Entertainment costs – fees and admissions

$766
Source: 2018 Consumer Expenditure Survey

Bureau of Labor Statistics
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

bls.gov/cex

Form No. CE-200(e)(2020)