![A person holds an empty wallet, surrounded by icons representing everyday expenses — an envelope, a ticket, and a gift box — with the text "Borrowing for the Basics" and the Advance America logo.](https://cdn.advanceamerica.net/public/styles/article_large/public/media/images/2026-10/advnace-america-borrowed-budgets-blog-opt-2.jpg.webp?itok=AI5X3_EZ "Borrowing for the Basics | Advance America") 

 

# Borrowing for the Basics: What Our Survey Found in Your State \[2026\]

For many of us, the grocery run doesn't always line up with payday. Same story with the electric bill, car maintenance, or that special occasion you can't skip.

We surveyed 3,062 borrowers in September 2026 to find out which basic expenses people borrowed money to cover over the past year. From toilet paper to birthday cake, these purchases rarely come up in conversations about borrowing.

| **What do people borrow for most?** |
|---|
| **Rank** | **Expense** | **% who borrowed for it** |
| 1 | Groceries | 18.5% |
| 2 | Gas | 13.3% |
| 3 | Utility bills | 12.4% |
| 4 | Rent/mortgage | 9% |
| 5 | Car repair | 6.9% |

  
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## Key findings 

### 1 expense dominates in 43 states 

Groceries are the most borrowed-for expense in 37 states, and tie for first place in another six. No other expense item comes close.

| **In the past 12 months…** | **% of respondents** |
|---|---|
| Borrowed for groceries while still repaying an earlier grocery loan | 42% |
| Haven’t borrowed money for everyday/basic expenses | 38% |
| Borrow for everyday expenses at least once a week | 9.5% |

### Fuel rises to the top in 4 states 

Gas tops the list in just four states — Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, and Maine — which may seem surprising given how often fuel costs strain a household budget.

The timing might explain it. Respondents reported on their borrowing habits over the past 12 months, a window that predates the sharp rise in gas prices. The data reflects why people borrowed before fuel started causing more [pressure at the pump](https://www.advanceamerica.net/money-saving-tips/money-management/survey-americans-gas-price-breaking-point).

### Other expenses take the lead in 3 states 

Car repairs rank first in Idaho, utility bills in South Dakota, and rent/mortgage payments in Utah — all categories where falling behind can have immediate consequences.

It makes sense. You count on a working car to get to work. Missing your rent or mortgage payment can mean late fees, damaged credit, or lost housing. These aren't expenses that wait.

### Social invitations are hard to turn down 

Social occasions don’t always fit neatly into a budget, but that doesn’t make them optional. Whether it’s an anniversary, your best friend’s wedding, or your kid’s birthday party, some milestones are worth showing up for.

| **Occasion** | **% who borrowed for it** |
|---|---|
| Social/family occasion | 21.1% |
| Trip to visit family/friends | 14.2% |
| Meal/night out with friends | 13.3% |
| Buying holiday gifts | 11.3% |
| Family outing | 8.6% |

### Fast food is a surprising choice 

Among the smaller, non-essential purchases in our survey, a fast-food meal ranks first outright in 18 states and ties for first in seven more.

> *New research from* [*Revenue Management Solutions*](https://www.revenuemanage.com/blog/qsr-casual-dining-price-gap-delivery/) *found the average cost of a fast-food meal in 2026 is $10.29.*

### Toilet paper is on a roll in 18 states 

Bathroom and laundry supplies are recurring expenses that never go away. Toilet paper ranks first among smaller purchases in 18 states. Replacing household essentials is a cost many report they need help covering.

## Final thoughts 

The survey tells a consistent story: everyday expenses add up, and for millions of Americans, covering them sometimes means needing a little extra support.

Groceries, transportation, household bills, family commitments — these aren't luxuries. They're the costs of real life. And when timing doesn't line up with payday, having convenient, transparent financial options can make a real difference.

At Advance America, we're here to help you understand those options, ask questions without judgment, and find a solution that works for your situation.

 

By Jennifer McKnight

Published: October 27, 2026

 

 ## Key takeaways

- Cooling cutbacks aren't limited to hot climates. Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Michigan rank among the states with the highest rates of households going without AC.
- California has the most affected households in the country (nearly 1.3 million).
- To afford AC, 31% of households give up takeout meals and 19% skip new clothing. Only 6% say they would dip into savings.
 
 

For many of us, the grocery run doesn't always line up with payday. Same story with the electric bill, car maintenance, or that special occasion you can't skip.

We surveyed 3,062 borrowers in September 2026 to find out which basic expenses people borrowed money to cover over the past year. From toilet paper to birthday cake, these purchases rarely come up in conversations about borrowing.

| **What do people borrow for most?** |
|---|
| **Rank** | **Expense** | **% who borrowed for it** |
| 1 | Groceries | 18.5% |
| 2 | Gas | 13.3% |
| 3 | Utility bills | 12.4% |
| 4 | Rent/mortgage | 9% |
| 5 | Car repair | 6.9% |

  
 window.addEventListener("message",function(e){e.data.hasOwnProperty("FrameHeight")&& (document.getElementById("data_map_iframe").style.height = e.data.FrameHeight+ 'px')}),document.getElementById("data_map_iframe").onload=function(){ document.getElementById("data_map_iframe").contentWindow.postMessage("FrameHeight","*")};

## Key findings 

### 1 expense dominates in 43 states 

Groceries are the most borrowed-for expense in 37 states, and tie for first place in another six. No other expense item comes close.

| **In the past 12 months…** | **% of respondents** |
|---|---|
| Borrowed for groceries while still repaying an earlier grocery loan | 42% |
| Haven’t borrowed money for everyday/basic expenses | 38% |
| Borrow for everyday expenses at least once a week | 9.5% |

### Fuel rises to the top in 4 states 

Gas tops the list in just four states — Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, and Maine — which may seem surprising given how often fuel costs strain a household budget.

The timing might explain it. Respondents reported on their borrowing habits over the past 12 months, a window that predates the sharp rise in gas prices. The data reflects why people borrowed before fuel started causing more [pressure at the pump](https://www.advanceamerica.net/money-saving-tips/money-management/survey-americans-gas-price-breaking-point).

### Other expenses take the lead in 3 states 

Car repairs rank first in Idaho, utility bills in South Dakota, and rent/mortgage payments in Utah — all categories where falling behind can have immediate consequences.

It makes sense. You count on a working car to get to work. Missing your rent or mortgage payment can mean late fees, damaged credit, or lost housing. These aren't expenses that wait.

### Social invitations are hard to turn down 

Social occasions don’t always fit neatly into a budget, but that doesn’t make them optional. Whether it’s an anniversary, your best friend’s wedding, or your kid’s birthday party, some milestones are worth showing up for.

| **Occasion** | **% who borrowed for it** |
|---|---|
| Social/family occasion | 21.1% |
| Trip to visit family/friends | 14.2% |
| Meal/night out with friends | 13.3% |
| Buying holiday gifts | 11.3% |
| Family outing | 8.6% |

### Fast food is a surprising choice 

Among the smaller, non-essential purchases in our survey, a fast-food meal ranks first outright in 18 states and ties for first in seven more.

> *New research from* [*Revenue Management Solutions*](https://www.revenuemanage.com/blog/qsr-casual-dining-price-gap-delivery/) *found the average cost of a fast-food meal in 2026 is $10.29.*

### Toilet paper is on a roll in 18 states 

Bathroom and laundry supplies are recurring expenses that never go away. Toilet paper ranks first among smaller purchases in 18 states. Replacing household essentials is a cost many report they need help covering.

## Final thoughts 

The survey tells a consistent story: everyday expenses add up, and for millions of Americans, covering them sometimes means needing a little extra support.

Groceries, transportation, household bills, family commitments — these aren't luxuries. They're the costs of real life. And when timing doesn't line up with payday, having convenient, transparent financial options can make a real difference.

At Advance America, we're here to help you understand those options, ask questions without judgment, and find a solution that works for your situation.

 

Notice: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Consult your attorney or financial advisor about your financial circumstances.

 ![Jennifer McKnight headshot](https://cdn.advanceamerica.net/public/media/images/2024-08/author-jennifer-mcknight.png?VersionId=U9Vf2tefX6l6bcTtDxGzIRMzBdRTZ9SY) About the author 

**Jennifer McKnight** is the Senior Content Writer at Advance America, where she turns complicated financial topics into plain, helpful content. She's here to make sure you have what you need to feel informed and confident when it matters most.