In July 2005, information about how much Americans spend for health care, groceries, clothing, transportation, housing and other items will be collected by U.S. Census Bureau field representatives from a sample of randomly selected households across the country.

     The Consumer Expenditure (CE) Survey program consists of two surveys. About 7,500 households will be interviewed once every three months to obtain data on relatively large expenditures. Over the year, another 7,500 households will keep two consecutive one-week diaries of all purchases. The CE Interview Survey is designed to capture expenditure data that respondents can reasonably recall for a period of three months or longer, whereas the CE Diary Survey captures expenditures on small, frequently purchased items that are normally difficult for respondents to recall later (such as toothpaste, bread or for a hamburger from a fast-food restaurant). The results are published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Government economists use the results to update a “market basket” of goods and services for the Consumer Price Index, our nation’s single most widely used measure of inflation.

     “The Consumer Price Index,” said James Holmes, director of the Census Bureau’s Atlanta Regional Office, “helps businesses around the country keep wages, salaries and pensions in line with increases in the cost of living.”

     Before the CE surveys begin, households receive a letter from Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon informing them of their selection. Census Bureau field representatives conducting the interviews will carry official photo identification badges. The law ensures survey respondents’ personal information and answers are kept confidential.

     The following data on the amount spent on food purchased primarily at grocery stores and markets are an example of CE results.

Household Spending on Food at Home: 2002-2003

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