She Strengthens

The Hidden Costs of Socializing: How Much Are You Spending on Alcohol?

As I reviewed my expenses for the year, I was curious to see how much I’d spent on alcohol. The total came out to an average of $35 a week. While that may seem moderate, especially considering I live in an expensive city, it got me thinking: how much do others spend on alcohol?

Perceptions of Drinking Habits

Growing up, drinking was a normal part of social gatherings in my household. My parents would occasionally have a glass of wine or beer, and I never thought twice about it. But as I started tracking my expenses, I realized that my drinking habits fluctuate depending on my social life. For instance, when I started dating my boyfriend, we would often meet up for drinks, but now that we spend more time at home, our alcohol consumption has decreased.

The Average American’s Spending Habits

I’m not alone in my curiosity about alcohol spending. According to statistics, drinking is a significant expense for many Americans. But how much are people really spending?

To get a better understanding, I asked 11 peers about their average weekly spend on alcohol. Their responses varied widely, from $3.75 to $100 per week.

Real-Life Examples

Here’s what some of my peers had to say:

• Neil, a producer, spends between $50 and $100 per week, depending on how social he is.
• Danielle, a writer, spends around $75 per week on wine and occasional liquor purchases.
• Brandy, a stenographer, averages $20 per week on wine and the occasional mixed drink.
• Kelsey, a PR account manager, spends around $5 per week on wine, rarely going out.

The Takeaway

It’s clear that people have different perceptions of what constitutes “a lot” of drinking. While some may think $35 per week is moderate, others may consider it excessive. Ultimately, understanding our spending habits can help us make informed decisions about how we allocate our money.

What’s Your Story?

How much do you spend on alcohol per week? Do you track your expenses, or do you prefer not to think about it? Share your story in the comments!