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Bureau of Labor Statistics > Consumer Expenditure Survey > Home

The Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CE) program provides data on expenditures, income, and demographic characteristics of consumers in the United States. The CE program provides these data in tables, LABSTAT database, news releases, reports, and public use microdata files.

CE data are collected by the Census Bureau for BLS in two surveys: the Interview Survey for major and/or recurring items and the Diary Survey for more minor or frequently purchased items. CE data are primarily used to revise the relative importance of goods and services in the market basket of the Consumer Price Index. The CE is the only Federal household survey to provide information on the complete range of consumers' expenditures and incomes. Here is an overview of the CE program and its methods.

To be notified when new datasets become available, sign up for CE updates. The menu will prompt you to select Consumer Expenditures. If you have comments or questions about this page and its contents, contact us.

Notices

Registration for the Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CE) Microdata Users Workshop (July 16-18, 2025) is now open. (1/23/2025) Read More »
CE Annual Report: Consumer Expenditures in 2023 (12/20/24) Read More »
The 2023 annual news release, tables, LABSTAT database, public use microdata and Data Quality Profile are now available. (9/25/2024) Read More »

Most Requested Tables

News Releases

Consumer unit expenditures in 2023 are $77,280; a 5.9-percent increase from 2022

09/25/2024

Average expenditures for all consumer units in 2023 were $77,280, a 5.9-percent increase from 2022, and average income before taxes increased 8.3 percent.
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Spotlight on Statistics

A Look at a Thrilling Industry: Amusement and Theme Parks

This Spotlight on Statistics reviews historical establishment, employment, and wage trends for the amusement and theme parks industry. Additionally, productivity, consumer expenditures for entertainment fees and admissions, and producer prices for select amusement and theme parks products are reviewed. read more »

The Economics Daily

Apparel data in fashion

Though this year's New York Fashion Week styles have yet to hit most local stores, spending on clothes—from haute couture, and ready-to-wear, to factory outlet and discount store bargains—is a must for many. In 2023, household spending on women's apparel averaged $655, compared with $406 for men's apparel. Spending on girls' and boys' apparel was $87 and $96, respectively. read more »