American households spend over $8,000 annually on cars

Assumes 1.9 vehicles/household

Steve Hawley, Mar 18, 09.

The average American “consumer unit” - similar to a household - spent $8,758 on transportation in 2007, according to data compiled by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and reported by the New York Times. Approximately $8,220 went toward private vehicles, while only $538 was spent on public transportation, including taxis and airplanes.

The article notes, “In 2007, a statistically average household, with an annual pre-tax family income of $63,091 and 1.9 vehicles, spent more on transportation than it did on clothing, health care and entertainment combined ($7,432).” Car costs include vehicle purchase, depreciation, fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, registration, parking fees, and tolls, among other expenses.

Bicycles are relatively cheap, according to the article. It reports that the average bike costs $390 every year, including purchase price, maintenance, accessories, and replacement parts.