In 2021, taxes accounted for about 25% of average consumer spending, which outpaced the average spend for many essential categories for most Americans. During that time, each “consumer unit” – individual or combined household – spent an average of $16,721.42 on food ($8,289.28), healthcare ($5,451.61), education ($1,226.14), and clothing ($1,754.39) – clocking in just under the $16,729.73 average paid in taxes.