The table illustrates the proportion of different items which households in a Chinese city spent in 1990 and 2005.
Overall, in both years, people spent most of their income on food. Additionally, in 1990, the figure for medical services was the lowest, whereas in 2005, medical service and clothing were the lowest items.
For 1990, food was the highest figure, at 56% of the total. This was followed by clothing and recreation, education and culture, at 11% and 12% respectively. The figure for remaining items was just under ten. Household appliances and accommodation were spent at 7% and 5% respectively. The figure for transport and communications and medical services were relatively low, which was 2% for transport and communication, and only 1% for medical services. Besides all items above, people in this city also spent 6% of the total income for other items.
Regarding 2005, most of the items were spent more in this year, except the food decreased to 43%, and clothing declined to 6%. Household appliances maintained 7% of the total. For recreation, education and culture and accommodation, these items also rose by 3%, at 15% and 8% respectively. Especially for medical services and transport and communication, they increased sharply to 6% and 9% respectively. Similarly with 1990, people also spent 6% of their income on other items.