Research Guides: Market Research: Consumer Spending

Consumer Spending Statistics

DemographicsNow This link opens in a new window
Create consumer expenditure reports, graphs, and maps. Includes data from BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey and Simmons.
Search Instruction: Tutorials necessary - tutorial center
Statista This link opens in a new window
Search for statistics, demographics, opinions, data series and studies on many topics and industries. Useful for all subject areas.

Consumer Expenditure Survey - CEX
The Bureau of Labor Statistics conducts regular surveys of American buying habits. This site offers reports and tables from the surveys. The site is complex, so it will likely take some time to find what you want. Many sources described on this page derive information from the Consumer Expenditure Survey.
Tip: It may be easier to get CEX data using DemographicsNow above.
IRI Group
This analytics and consulting company focuses on retail and the consumer packaged goods industry. Find useful consumer insight and industry trend info on the site. Free registration gives access to most content in the Insights Library.
Marketing Charts
This site provides marketing data, graphics, and analyses. Use the search box to put in a term.
State & County QuickFacts
Includes quick access to overall retail and wholesale statistics by state, county, or city.

Spending in Specific Product Categories

These electronic reference books By New Strategist Publications offer detailed statistics derived from the Consumer Expenditure Survey.
Note: In many cases, you can find more up-to-date stats in Demographics Now.

Who's Buying Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Beverages
Demographic statistics by product category from the Consumer Expenditure Survey.
Who's Buying Apparel
Demographic statistics by product category from the Consumer Expenditure Survey.
Who's Buying at Restaurants and Carryouts
Demographic statistics by meal and restaurant type from the Consumer Expenditure Survey.
Who's Buying Entertainment
Demographic statistics from the Consumer Expenditure Survey by different types of entertainment.
Who's Buying for Pets
Demographic statistics from the Consumer Expenditure Survey related to purchases of pet supplies and services.
Who's Buying for Travel
Demographic statistics from the Consumer Expenditure Survey related to travel expenditures.
Who's Buying Groceries
Demographic statistics for specifc food product purchasers from the Consumer Expenditure Survey.
Who's Buying Healthcare
Demographic statistics from the Consumer Expenditure Survey related to expenditures for health care supplies, services, and insurance.
Who's Buying Household Furnishings, Services, and Supplies
Demographic statistics from the Consumer Expenditure Survey related to expenditures for appliances, various furniture categories, babysitting & day care, bedroom and bathroom linens, paper products, curtains, floor coverings, lawn care & housekeeping services, power tools, security systems, etc.
Who's Buying Transportation
Demographic statistics from the Consumer Expenditure Survey on expenditures for vehicles, maintenance expenses, parking, travel fares, etc.

Other Sources

You may also find consumer spending info in market research reports or articles (see other pages of this guide).

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