The Average US Shopper Will Spend $328.68 on Back-to-School Shopping

**The Back-to-School Shopping Conundrum: How to Afford Tech**

Back-to-school shopping is taking a toll on finances, and the average US shopper will spend $328.68 on back-to-school shopping. Even though this is less than last year’s average, it’s still a significant amount to cover with tighter budgets and higher prices on some supplies.

Worries About Affording Tech Purchases

Nearly 78% of back-to-school shoppers are worried about affording tech purchases. This concern is not surprising, given the high prices of laptops, tablets, and other tech gadgets.

• Josh Goldman, managing editor and laptop reviewer at CNET, recommends comparison shopping by starting with the everyday price, then looking for sales at your favorite stores and manufacturers.
• Goldman suggests contacting manufacturers directly to inquire about student discounts.
• Buying used, refurbished tech from reputable places can also be a cost-effective option.
• Checking with family and friends for aging devices can save money on a new one.

Concerns About Tariffs and Rising Prices

Nearly half of back-to-school shoppers (46%) are concerned about rising prices and tariffs. While tariffs have not yet affected prices, it’s essential to be aware of the potential impact on tech costs.

• Josh Goldman recommends buying tech sooner rather than later if you can, or waiting until holiday sales in the fall.
• James Bricknell, CNET’s senior shopping editor, suggests shopping for high-quality second-hand tech to save money.

Managing Expenses Without Credit or BNPL

1 in 5 shoppers (20%) are concerned about managing expenses when using credit or Buy Now, Pay Later to afford tech. To avoid debt and interest fees, try setting aside any amount you can to help finance less of your school supply list.

• Hold off on making big tech purchases until you have a better understanding of your finances.
• Look for deals to pay less than the sticker price and save money.
• Reusing some supplies from last year or holding off on shopping for new clothes can help cut costs.

Other Ways to Save on Back-to-School Tech

Here are a few other ways CNET experts say you can save money on must-have tech this back-to-school season.

• Shop deals and sales, especially during tax-free weekends or after big sale events like Prime Day or Black Friday.
• Track prices to get a sense of when to buy, and be patient while waiting for a sale price to land on the product you want.
• Check with your school for programs to get what you need at a fraction of the cost or for free.
• Trade in old devices for cash to use towards a new one.

Methodology

CNET commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the survey, which included 689 adults who have gone or are planning to go back-to-school shopping. The survey found that nearly 78% of shoppers are worried about affording tech purchases, and 46% are concerned about rising prices and tariffs.

• Fieldwork was undertaken online, and the figures have been weighted to be representative of all US adults (aged 18-plus).
• The survey was conducted from July 16 to 18, 2025.

Conclusion

Back-to-school shopping is a significant expense for many US shoppers, and the cost of tech purchases can be a particular concern. By following the tips and recommendations provided, you can save money on must-have tech and make the back-to-school shopping experience less stressful.