Spending Survival

Methodology: We surveyed 3,002 U.S. adults about how much they spend each month on essential household bills, including housing, food, childcare, healthcare, transportation, and utilities. Responses were averaged by state. To put these figures into context, we compared them with 2025 median household income data from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. This measure represents the median income in each state, with half of households earning more and half earning less. Because the survey asked about household bills, we assumed these costs are shared, on average, by two earners in each household. By comparing the annualized survey responses to median income, and accounting for two incomes per household, we calculated the number of days both earners would need to work each month to cover basic expenses. This approach provides a clear picture of how peoples’ perceived household costs compare against what the “average” two-income household actually earns in their state.