Key Takeaways
- Back-to-School Shopping Costs for a basket of 21 basic school supplies cost an average of $173.45 per student, up 7.7% from last year.
- Lunch boxes saw the largest increase at nearly 27%
- Families can limit costs by checking existing supplies and comparing prices
Back-to-school shopping is getting more expensive, with basic supplies costing more this year and families looking for ways to keep spending under control.
How Much Have School Supply Costs Increased?
The cost of a typical basket of 21 basic school supplies has risen 7.7% over the past year, reaching an average of $173.45 per student. The basket covers common items families buy for the start of the school year, contributing to higher Back-to-School Shopping Costs.
Some products have seen much larger increases. Lunch boxes rose nearly 27%, while one-subject notebooks increased 23%. Notebook paper also became 20% more expensive.
School supplies are only part of the overall back-to-school bill. A 2026 PwC consumer poll found that families expect to spend an average of $922 on back-to-school shopping. The figure includes clothing, technology, equipment, books and school supplies.
Nearly half of families, or 47%, expect to spend more than they did last year. That share is up from 35% in PwC’s previous survey.
What Can Families Do to Reduce Spending?
Families can start by checking what they already have at home. Usable binders, folders, pencils, scissors, and other supplies may not need replacement. Reviewing last year’s leftovers before shopping can help prevent duplicate purchases and reduce Back-to-School Shopping Costs.
Setting a budget can also help families focus on essentials. Shoppers can compare prices across stores and online retailers before making purchases. Coupons and store discounts may provide additional savings when they apply to items already on the shopping list.
Families should also review school supply lists carefully. Buying only the items students actually need can prevent spending on unnecessary products. Some classroom requirements may become clearer after the school year begins, so there may be no need to purchase every possible item in advance.
Technology can add substantially to the total bill. PwC found that families expect to spend an average of $222 on technology such as laptops, tablets, calculators, and headphones. Comparing specifications and prices before buying can help families avoid paying more than necessary.
Should Families Delay Some Purchases?
Not every item needs to be purchased at the same time. Families can prioritize supplies required for the first days of school and wait on items that are less urgent. This can reduce the risk of buying products that students ultimately do not need and help control Back-to-School Shopping Costs.
Shopping later can also create opportunities for clearance discounts, although waiting may reduce the available selection. Families should weigh the potential savings against the need to have essential items ready before classes begin.
The timing of purchases also varies by category. PwC found that 71% of families complete their back-to-school shopping between two weeks and two months before the first day of school.
With Back-to-School Shopping Costs rising and overall back-to-school spending expected to reach $922 per family, careful planning can help households control their shopping bills. Comparing prices, reusing usable supplies, and prioritizing essentials can reduce unnecessary spending without leaving students short of what they need.
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