New 2026 Survey Data Shows the True Size of Subscription Creep

Published 2026-06-02 · TrimWell Media News

New consumer research is putting fresh numbers on a familiar problem: households consistently underestimate how much they spend on recurring subscriptions. According to a widely cited C+R Research study, the average American spends approximately $219 per month on subscriptions across 8.2 active services, while self-estimates land closer to $86 a month — roughly a 2.5x gap.

A separate Subvisory analysis of aggregated 2025-2026 industry data found that 89% of consumers underestimate their own subscription spending, with 66% off by more than $200 annually and 13% off by more than $400.

Researchers at West Monroe, cited in coverage from GOBankingRates, point to a structural explanation rather than simple carelessness: 74% of consumers say it is easy to forget recurring charges, 72% have every subscription on autopay, and 42% have forgotten about a subscription entirely while still being billed for it.

The pattern holds across age groups but is most pronounced among younger consumers. Separate CNET-cited data found Millennials spending an average of $101 a month on subscription apps alone, or $1,212 annually, not counting non-app subscriptions.

Readers can check their own numbers against these benchmarks using the free TrimWell Score calculator, which applies the same national averages automatically.

Sources: Subvisory, GOBankingRates / C+R Research, West Monroe.