Some Parents Are Spending Nearly $1,000 Getting One Child Back to School

From new clothes and shoes to backpacks, supplies, and electronics, getting one child ready for school can quickly become a major household expense. Some one-child families may see their total back-to-school bill approach $1,000. (Pexels).

Back-to-school shopping used to mean pencils, notebooks, a backpack, and maybe a new pair of sneakers. In 2026, however, a complete shopping trip can easily include clothing, electronics, sports equipment, lunch gear, and other expenses that push the bill toward four figures. PwC reports that U.S. families expect average back-to-school spending of $922 this year, while families in some regions expect to spend even more. For a household preparing just one child for school, that kind of budget can effectively mean spending nearly $1,000 on one student. It is a reminder that the real cost of returning to school now stretches far beyond the traditional classroom supply list.

Back-To-School Spending Is Approaching Four Figures