What is the average U.S. subscription count per person?

8.2 active subscriptions across all categories, according to aggregated 2025-2026 industry data.

Which generation spends the most on subscriptions?

Gen Z, at approximately $377/month, followed by Millennials at roughly $276/month.

How can I check my own number against the average?

Use the free TrimWell Score tool to calculate and benchmark your own total in minutes.

How Much Does the Average American Spend on Subscriptions in 2026?

Published 2026-02-02 · TrimWell Media

Direct answer: The average American spends approximately $219 a month on subscriptions across 8.2 active services, but estimates it at only about $86 a month — a 2.5x perception gap, according to C+R Research and West Monroe survey data.

The perception gap, by the numbers

89% of consumers underestimate their own subscription spending, and 66% underestimate by more than $200 a year, with 13% off by more than $400. Three-quarters of people say it's simply easy to forget about recurring charges once they're set to autopay, which 72% of people have done across all their subscriptions.

Spending by generation

Gen Z spends the most of any generation on subscriptions, at roughly $377 a month, followed by Millennials at around $276 a month. Older generations tend to carry fewer, higher-value subscriptions rather than a large number of smaller ones.

Where the money goes

Streaming video and food delivery dominate category spending. The average household pays for 4.5 streaming platforms at a combined $69/month, according to Deloitte's 2025 Digital Media Trends survey — a 13% year-over-year increase. Software, cloud storage, and fitness apps make up smaller but still meaningful slices.

Why the number keeps climbing

The global subscription economy was valued at roughly $536 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $859 billion in 2026, per Fortune Business Insights, driven both by more services launching and by existing subscriptions raising prices.

Ready to see your own numbers? Try the free TrimWell Score calculator — no signup, no bank login, results in under a minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average U.S. subscription count per person?: 8.2 active subscriptions across all categories, according to aggregated 2025-2026 industry data.
Which generation spends the most on subscriptions?: Gen Z, at approximately $377/month, followed by Millennials at roughly $276/month.
How can I check my own number against the average?: Use the free TrimWell Score tool to calculate and benchmark your own total in minutes.