Back-to-School Spending Projected to Hit Record $43.3 Billion as Families Budget $864 Per Child

Planned back-to-school spending for K-12 students is expected to average $863.86 per household in 2026, contributing to a record $43.3 billion in total market spending, according to data cited by Experian.

The figures reflect continued inflation pressure on family budgets. Clothing, electronics, and school supplies account for most of the spending. Families with multiple children face costs that can easily exceed $2,000 for the season.

The record spending total comes despite a brief dip in consumer prices in June. The Consumer Price Index fell 0.4 percent that month, the largest one-month decline since April 2020, but overall prices remain 3.5 percent higher than a year ago.

Financial advisors recommend that families create a specific back-to-school budget before shopping and prioritize needs over wants. Buying store-brand supplies, shopping sales, and reusing items from the previous year can reduce costs significantly.

Some school districts have expanded free supply programs and community drives to help lower-income families manage the expense. Retailers typically offer their deepest discounts in late July and early August.

The record spending figure also reflects a broader trend of rising education costs. College back-to-school spending, which includes dorm furnishings and technology, adds another layer of expense for families with students entering higher education.