2013 – Midyear Update Consumer Expenditures Surveys — 2014-05-23

Average expenditures per consumer unit (1) for July 2012 through June 2013 were 1.5 percent higher than the July 2011 through June 2012 midyear average, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Most major components of household spending increased over the 12 months ending June 2013. The 6.6-percent rise in cash contributions (including payments for support of college students, alimony and child support, and giving to charities and religious organizations) was the largest percentage increase among all major components. This was followed by a 5.8-percent increase in transportation spending. Average incomes were essentially unchanged, showing a slight drop of 0.2 percent. Table A.