09/21/2026
Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.
A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.
School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.
The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.
Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.
Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.
For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.
Source:
U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.
