Families plan to spend $250 per child on back-to-school supplies
Higher prices are pushing families to spend more on back-to-school needs this year.
Families are expected to spend $252 per child on back-to-school purchases this year, marking a 6% year-over-year increase, according to the Consumer Pulse Back-to-School 2026 survey released by audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG LLP.
Nearly 80% of parents say the increase in planned spending reflects higher prices for the same school essentials and technology purchases as last year, including big-ticket items like laptops.