The charts show the proportion of average household spending in six categories in a country between 1950 and 2010.
Overall, there was a noticeable shift in spending patterns over the 60 years. While housing was allocated the majority of the shares in 1950, this had decreased by 2010. In contrast, food became the dominant category in 2010. Spending on education, transportation, and other household items was relatively low in 1950, but it gradually increased by 2010. Throughout both years, healthcare remained minimal.
In 1950, more than two-thirds of household budgets were devoted to housing, specifically 72.1%, followed by food at just 11.2%. Education and transportation represented modest proportions at 6.6% and 3.3%, respectively. Whereas, healthcare and other items made up only minor portions at 2.4% and 4.4%.
By 2010, the distributions had become more balanced. Household expenditure became less concentrated, dropping sharply to 22.0%. The category of food accounted for the largest share, rising to 34.0% Healthcare expenditures remained relatively low at 4.5% in 2010. While transportation spending increased to 14.0%, education experienced a slight decline to 6.3% in 2010.