Back-to-School Costs: What Families Can Expect To Spend

K-12 families budgeted an average of $143.77 for school supplies specifically in 2025, and about $858.07 once you add clothing, shoes and electronics, according to the National Retail Federation. So your real cost depends on what you count as "supplies," plus your child's grade, school requirements and what you already have at home.

Back-to-school shopping can get expensive quickly, but a little planning can help you avoid last-minute spending and unnecessary debt. Start with the school's required list, price out the costliest items first and look for ways to reuse, delay or discount anything that doesn't need to be bought right away.

Key Takeaways

• Supplies alone are modest, the total isn't: K-12 families budgeted about $143.77 for school supplies in 2025, but $858.07 on average once clothing, shoes and electronics are included.

• Electronics drive the cost: At an average of $295.81 per family, electronics are the single largest back-to-school category.

• A school list controls spending: Start with required items before buying extras.

• Sales tax holidays may help: Some states temporarily waive sales tax on supplies, clothing, computers or backpacks.

• Borrowing should be a last resort: Spreading purchases out, reusing items or finding local assistance usually beats taking on debt.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

What's the Average Cost of School Supplies?

For 2025, K-12 families planned to spend an average of $143.77 on school supplies, meaning items like notebooks, pencils, folders and binders, according to the National Retail Federation. Once you fold in clothing, shoes and electronics, the average back-to-school total rises to $858.07, down slightly from $874.68 in 2024.

That's why the cost of "school supplies" can vary so much. A younger student may need crayons, folders and a backpack. A high schooler may need a calculator, laptop, athletic gear or materials for specific classes. If your child's school requires uniforms or technology, your total climbs fast.

Average Back-to-School Cost by Category

Here's how NRF's 2025 per family averages break down, plus where you can trim.

Why School Supply Costs Matter

Back-to-school shopping hits many families all at once. Even if each item seems small, the full list can strain a monthly budget when it includes clothes, shoes and electronics.

That pressure is one reason many parents shop early or spread purchases out. NRF reported that total 2025 K-12 back-to-school spending was expected to reach $39.4 billion, up from $38.8 billion in 2024, even though the average planned spending per family dipped.

Planning ahead helps because it gives you time to compare prices, wait for sales and avoid buying everything in one trip.

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How To Estimate the Cost of School Supplies

You don't need an exact total before you start. A rough estimate still helps.

1. Get the School Supply List

Start with the official school or teacher list. Many schools post lists for each grade online, and some retailers let you search supply lists by school. Mark each item as already have, need now, can wait or optional. This keeps you from buying duplicates.

2. Price the Required Items First

Check prices online and in stores for required items, focusing on what your child needs on day one. If an item comes in different pack counts, compare the unit price. A bigger pack is only cheaper if you'll use it.

3. Separate Small Items From Larger Purchases

Pencils and folders are one kind of expense. A laptop, calculator or sports equipment is another. Separating them shows what's driving the cost, so you can compare refurbished options or delay a purchase.

4. Add Clothing, Shoes and Fees

Supply lists rarely include everything. Add expected costs for shoes, uniforms, gym clothes, sports gear, club fees, school photos or lunch accounts for a realistic number.

5. Build in a Small Buffer

Prices change, and kids may need something after classes start. Add a small cushion if you can, even $25 to $50, so surprises don't land on a credit card.

Tips To Save on School Supplies

A few small moves can lower the total without leaving your child short.

Reuse What Still Works

Before shopping, check backpacks, lunch boxes, binders, calculators and headphones from last year. If it's still in good shape, it doesn't need replacing just because it's a new school year.

Use Sales Tax Holidays Where Available

Some states offer sales tax holidays for back-to-school purchases. Qualifying items may include clothing, shoes, supplies, computers or backpacks, depending on the state. The Federation of Tax Administrators tracks state sales tax holidays with dates and rules. Check your state's department of revenue first, because eligible items, price limits and dates vary.

Use Cash Back Carefully

Apps that offer cash back, browser extensions or credit card rewards can help if you were already planning to buy the item. They don't help if they push extra spending. If you use a credit card for rewards, try to pay the balance in full to avoid interest.

Ask About School or Community Resources

Some schools, nonprofits and local organizations offer supply drives, free backpacks, clothing closets or fee waivers. If the list is more than your budget can handle, ask the school office or counselor what help is available. You may not be the only family asking.

Should You Finance Back-to-School Shopping?

Financing supplies can be tempting when costs hit at once, but interest and fees can make a one-time cost more expensive over time. Before borrowing, try these first:

• Spread purchases out: Buy the essentials you need on day one and wait on extras.

• Ask about payment plans: Some schools or activity programs let you pay fees over time.

• Use community resources: Supply drives and local nonprofits may help cover basics.

• Cut a temporary expense: Redirect one or two nonessential costs for a month.

• Compare cheaper alternatives: Refurbished electronics or store brands may cover the need for less.

Borrowing may make sense only if the payment fits your budget and you understand the full cost. Try to avoid debt with high interest for items that could be delayed, reused or found for less.

Build Back-to-School Budget Awareness With MoneyLion

MoneyLion offers tools that may help you track spending, compare financial options and plan for recurring expenses like back-to-school shopping. Explore MoneyLion's resources to find tools that fit your budget goals.

Bottom Line

The average cost of school supplies was about $143.77 per K-12 family in 2025, or $858.07 once clothing, shoes and electronics are included, according to NRF. Either way, back-to-school season adds up.

Start with the required supply list, reuse what you already have and price out the costliest items before shopping. A little planning can help you get what your child needs without letting back-to-school season derail your budget.

Key Terms

• Back-to-school shopping: Seasonal purchases for the school year, including supplies, clothing, shoes and electronics.

• School supplies: Classroom items like notebooks, pencils, folders, binders, calculators and art materials.

• Sales tax holiday: A temporary period when certain items are exempt from state sales tax.

• Unit price: The cost of one item or unit in a package, useful for comparing bulk purchases.

• Refurbished electronics: Previously owned devices that have been inspected, repaired or certified for resale.

• Sinking fund: Savings set aside over time for a planned expense, like back-to-school shopping.

• Cash back rewards: Money or points earned after qualifying purchases, often through credit cards, apps or shopping portals.

Sources:

• National Retail Federation: Back-to-School Season Begins Early for Majority of Shoppers

• Federation of Tax Administrators: Sales Tax Holidays

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

FAQ

Here are quick answers to common questions about the average cost of school supplies.

What is the average cost of school supplies? K-12 families budgeted an average of about $143.77 for school supplies in 2025, according to the National Retail Federation. Once clothing, shoes and electronics are added, the average back-to-school total rises to $858.07, so your cost depends on what's on your child's list.

Why are school supplies so expensive? Costs climb because families often buy far more than basic supplies. Clothing, shoes, backpacks, electronics, activity fees and classroom items can all stack onto the total.

Is it cheaper to buy school supplies online or in-store? It depends on prices, shipping costs, coupons and how soon you need the items. Online shopping makes comparison easier, while in-store shopping can help you skip shipping fees and grab supplies right away.

Do school supply costs vary by grade? Yes. Younger students tend to need basic classroom supplies, while older students may need calculators, laptops, lab materials or sports gear. Requirements also differ by teacher and district.

How can you save money on school supplies? Shop at home first, stick to the required list, compare store brands and reuse last year's items. Check whether your state offers a sales tax holiday, and if costs are still high, ask your school about supply drives or local assistance.