Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24

Overview

The latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey for 2023-24, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), highlights a shift in the consumption patterns of Indian households amidst rising food prices. Notably, the share of spending on food items has increased in both rural and urban areas.

Overall Consumption Spending

• Rural average monthly consumption spending per person rose to Rs 4,122, marking a 9.3% increase from the previous year.
• Urban average monthly consumption was Rs 6,996, with an 8.3% rise over the same period.
• The gap between rural and urban consumption expenditure narrowed to 69.7% from 71.2% the prior year.

State-wise Consumption Patterns

• Western, northern, and southern states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu reported higher per capita consumption compared to national averages.
• Eastern and central states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh recorded lower spending.

Spending on Food and Non-Food Items

• The share of spending on food increased to 47.04% in rural and 39.68% in urban areas in 2023-24.
• Rural households spent Rs 1,939, while urban households spent Rs 2,776 on food monthly.
• Non-food spending accounted for 52.96% in rural areas and 60.32% in urban areas.

Popular Food Items

• Highest spending was on 'beverages, refreshments, processed food' in both rural (11.09%) and urban (9.84%) areas.
• Followed by 'milk and milk products' (rural: 8.44%, urban: 7.19%) and vegetables (rural: 6.03%, urban: 4.12%).
• Rural spending was higher on cereals, while urban areas prioritized fruits.

Trends in Food Spending

• Declining trend in spending on sugar and salt continues.
• Increased spending on 'beverages, processed food'.
• Rise in expenditure on vegetables and spices in 2023-24 compared to previous years.

Non-Food Expenditure Trends

• Rural spending focused on conveyance (7.59%), medical (6.83%), and clothing (6.63%).
• Urban spending emphasized conveyance (8.46%), miscellaneous goods (6.92%), and rent (6.58%).