Get a real cost estimate for back-to-school shopping. Pick a grade level, see the recommended supply list with current 2026 prices, and total up the full back-to-school budget (supplies + clothing + electronics + shoes) — for one kid or your whole family.
The National Retail Federation reports an average of $531 per K-12 family on total back-to-school spend (supplies + clothing + electronics combined). Supplies alone average $143.77 per household. The biggest drivers of cost are electronics (laptop, calculator) and brand-name clothing.
College undergrads typically spend $984-$2,939 for a full back-to-school setup, driven by dorm essentials (sheets, mini fridge, mattress topper) and electronics. Masters and PhD students spend similar amounts but skew more toward professional gear (external SSD, quality headphones, lab notebook).
About 18 US states run sales-tax-free weekends in July-August. Texas, Florida, and Georgia typically run theirs in early August 2026. The savings on a $500 supply run are typically $30-50 (state sales tax) — but you also get access to exclusive sale pricing that's only available during the tax-free window.
For K-12 families, the 2025 NRF survey reports an average of $531 per family for total back-to-school spend (supplies + clothing + electronics). Individual grade ranges: Elementary (K-5) typically $263-$631 total, middle school (6-8) $380-$849, high school (9-12) $560-$1,328, college undergrad $984-$2,939, masters/PhD $992-$3,241.
For high school and college, the graphing calculator (TI-84 or similar) is usually the single most expensive supply item at $80-$150. For college, dorm setup (sheets, mattress topper, mini fridge) adds $200-$500 on top of traditional supplies. Electronics (laptop, headphones) are the other big-ticket category.
Most US school districts start between August 1 and August 25, 2026. Tax-free back-to-school weekends run in mid-July through early August in most participating states (TX, FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, WV, AL, AR, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MS, MO, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI). Shopping 2-4 weeks before school starts is the sweet spot for selection and price.
Yes — about 18 US states run sales-tax-free weekends for back-to-school supplies and clothing in July and August 2026. The exact dates and eligible items vary by state. Texas, Florida, and Georgia typically run theirs in early August. Check your state's revenue department website for the 2026 dates.