Back-to-school season keeps arriving earlier and costing more. Several 2026 surveys are showing signs of school supply prices staying near an all time high. Here is what the data shows, along with practical ways to keep costs low without missing what your child actually needs for the school year.

What Families Are Spending in 2026

Before we jump in to some saving tips, let’s look at what Americans are spending. Estimates vary depending on which survey you look at, but here are some notable ones:

  • The National Retail Federation found K-12 families plan to spend an average of $874.68 this year, the second-highest amount in the survey's history, with total U.S. spending projected at $38.8 billion.
  • NerdWallet's 2026 survey, conducted with The Harris Poll, put the average lower, at $611 per shopper, about $130 less than in 2025.
  • Deloitte's back-to-school survey estimated K-12 spending would hold roughly steady at about $557 per student and $30.4 billion overall.
  • A JLL 2026 report found budgets up 11.7% to $489 per child, outpacing roughly 4% inflation, while nonessential spending fell to 56% of budgets, down from 60% the year before.

So even with some families reporting flat or lower spending than last year, back-to-school costs remain high by historical standards. Clothing and electronics continue to make up a big chunk of the bill.

Start With a Written Budget, Don’t Wing it

Before heading to a store or website, take inventory of what your child already has. Notebooks, folders, and even backpacks from last year often still have life left in them. We recommend Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s approach, make a simple outline for any budget: separate spending into needs, wants, and savings, then set a dollar limit for each category before you shop.

Next:

  • Pull your student’s official school supply list first. Buying items not on the list (or in the wrong quantity/brand) could end up being a waste of money.
  • Write down a specific dollar limit for each category (clothing, supplies, electronics, fees) and stick to it while shopping, in store or online.

Talk to Your Kids About the Budget

Money habits start forming young. The CFPB's Money as You Grow resources are a helpful tool, and conversations about spending limits and trade-offs can happen at almost any age, adjusted to what your student can understand of course!

What this could look like:

  • Giving your child a set amount for discretionary items, such as a specific backpack design or water bottle, and letting them decide how to spend it.
  • Explaining why the family is choosing certain items over others, rather than simply saying no.

Where the Real Savings Are

  • Shop secondhand first. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and local buy-nothing or marketplace groups often carry barely used clothing, backpacks, and even calculators.
  • Check what your school already provides. Many public schools supply basic classroom items like pencils and paper directly, or ask parents to donate bulk supplies for shared classroom use instead of buying individual kits. Check in with the school before buying anything, duplicate purchases can happen.
  • Compare store and online prices before buying. Prices for identical items can vary significantly between big-box stores, discount retailers, and online marketplaces.
  • Buy in bulk. If you are shopping for multiple kids, buy consumable items like pens, paper, and folders in bulk. The per-unit cost is usually lower, and you will likely need refills again within the year regardless.

Budget for What Comes After the Shopping Is Done

School supplies and clothing are only part of the cost. A PwC survey found parents expect to spend an additional $635 per month on average once school starts, including about $260 on fees such as field trips or tutoring, and $235 on meals and snacks. More than half of parents surveyed (54%) expect to spend at least $100 a month on food alone.

Building these recurring costs into a monthly budget, rather than treating back-to-school as a single shopping trip, helps avoid surprises in September and October. A good plan now takes a lot of weight off your shoulders.

If You Need Extra Support

Families facing financial strain have options beyond discount shopping. Community organizations and local school districts often run supply drives or distribute donated backpacks and supplies to students who qualify. Many drives run through July and August. Checking with your student’s school counselor or district family resource office is a smart first step to find local options.

The Bottom Line

2026 back-to-school costs are higher than in the past, so leading with a budget is a great choice this year. The most consistent savings strategies across the sources we looked keep it simple: take inventory before shopping, set a written budget, use your school's actual supply list, and consider secondhand options for items kids outgrow quickly. Good luck!