The bar charts illustrate the distribution of expenditures for five primary categories in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan in 2009.
Overall, the shares of spending for five categories showed significant changes across all four countries throughout the period. Expenditure on Food increased significantly across all countries. Japan accounted for the highest number, at around 22.5%, while United States spent below 15% in the same category, the lowest number recorded among the four countries.
Expenditure on Housing fluctuated across all four different countries. United States constituted the highest proportion, at over 25%, followed by the United Kingdom, at almost 25%. Conversely, spending in Transportation experienced a considerable decline among the four countries. With the exception of a sudden rise in Canada, at 20%, Japan’s expenditure accounted for half the percentage of Canada, at 10%.
Expenditure on Health Care was more prevalent in the United States, standing at around 7%, compared to below 5% for other countries. The shares of expenditure on Clothing remained relatively stable across four countries, with Canada and Japan sharing similar expenditures over 5%.
In summary, while expenditure on Food increased consistently across all four countries, expenditure on Transportation dropped sharply among four countries, except in Canada. Starkingly, spending on Housing showed dramatic fluctuations throughout the period.