What Share of Consumer Spending Goes Toward Food in Different Countries?

The share of income spent on food varies widely from country to country. According to the USDA Economic Research Service (2025), Nigeria spends the most: about 56% of all consumer spending goes to food. In the United States, the figure is only 6%. Other countries with high shares include Myanmar (55%), Laos (54%) and Kenya (49%).

These differences are largely explained by income levels. In lower-income countries, most of the household budget goes to basic needs, above all food, leaving little for housing, transportation, education and other goods and services. In wealthier countries, food typically takes up a smaller share of spending, even though people there may spend more on it in absolute terms.

It is important to note that the map shows only spending on food purchased for consumption at home. Meals at restaurants and cafés, as well as spending on alcohol and tobacco, are not included. The figures therefore allow a comparison of the share of the consumer budget spent on groceries, not of total spending on food.