How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Home in the U.S. in 2026? A Guide to Household Item Expenses

Moving to the United States is a dream for many Brazilians, but the reality of maintaining a home in the U.S. requires a clear and thoughtful approach to your overall household budget. If you’re planning your move in 2026, understanding the cost of household items—and how they fit into your variable expenses—is the first step toward avoiding financial surprises.

Below, we break down each cost based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), along with market strategies to help you feel more confident about your overall financial planning.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Home in the U.S. in 2026?

To answer directly: in 2026, maintaining a home in the United States costs, on average, between $150 and $250 per month just for basic cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and light home maintenance.

At first glance, this number may seem low—especially when compared to the overall cost of living in the U.S.—but it represents only one part of the household ecosystem. These are what we call “household items”: essential, recurring purchases that are often overlooked during initial planning.

However, when looking at the average American household budget, total spending on “Housing” (which includes rent or mortgage, utilities, and household operations) accounts for about 33% of annual income. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average consumer unit spends between $970 and $1,200 per year specifically on cleaning supplies and paper goods.

This is important because it shows that—even though these costs represent a smaller portion of the overall budget—they are consistent and add up to a meaningful amount over time.

Additionally, this monthly range can vary significantly depending on factors such as:

• Household size
• Type of property (house vs. apartment)
• Presence of pets
• Location (climate impacts energy use, cleaning, and maintenance needs)

In other words, the $150–$250 range is an average—but actual costs can be higher if these expenses aren’t actively managed.

The Reality Check: Stop Converting and Start Planning

One of the biggest mindset shifts is understanding local purchasing power and the impact of Sales Tax. Unlike in Brazil, sales tax is added at checkout and varies by state (for example, 0% in Delaware vs. around 9% in Florida or New York).

This detail may seem small, but it significantly changes how you perceive prices. A product listed at $10 on the shelf may cost $10.70 or $10.90 at checkout—and this applies to virtually every purchase.

Another key difference is that consumption in the U.S. is highly planned. Many households shop weekly or monthly using lists, coupons, and promotions. This approach reduces waste and helps keep expenses under control.

Estimated Monthly Expenses (2026 Average)

Based on projections from FRED and consumer trends, here’s a breakdown of average costs by category:

What this data shows is that there isn’t a single “main expense”—instead, it’s a combination of small, recurring purchases that together create a meaningful impact on your monthly budget.

The Key Insight: Hidden Maintenance and Variable Expenses

Maintaining a home in the U.S. includes items that rarely appear in a typical Brazilian budget—like HVAC filters, which should be replaced every three months to avoid extremely high electricity bills. These fall into the category of variable expenses: costs that fluctuate monthly but are essential for maintaining the property.

This is one of the biggest adjustments for newcomers: understanding that preventive maintenance isn’t optional—it’s part of the cost of living. Ignoring these expenses can lead to significantly higher costs later, such as increased energy bills, structural issues, or even penalties in certain rental agreements.

Other examples of “hidden” costs include:

• Replacing water filters
• Carpet cleaning products
• Smoke detector battery replacements
• Small DIY home repairs

A key strategy in 2026 is using services like Subscribe & Save and shopping at warehouse clubs such as Costco or Sam’s Club. For families, the savings from buying cleaning and paper products in bulk can quickly offset membership fees.

Checklist: Furnishing Your “New Home” from Scratch

Most homes in the U.S. come equipped only with major appliances. To avoid overspending in your first month (initial setup costs are typically estimated between $2,500 and $4,500), it’s important to prioritize:

Bedroom: A quality mattress, mattress protector, and floor lamps (many bedrooms don’t have ceiling lights).

Kitchen: A basic cookware set and a coffee maker.

Cleaning: A vacuum cleaner (essential for carpeted homes) and a mop.

This initial phase is often one of the most expensive parts of moving, since it involves one-time purchases that directly impact your daily life.

Money-saving tip: Explore yard sales and Facebook Marketplace for high-quality furniture at very low prices.

Additionally, stores like IKEA, Target, and Walmart offer affordable options for those starting from scratch, with a good balance between cost and quality.

Another important point: not everything needs to be purchased in the first month. Prioritizing essentials and gradually building your home is a smart way to avoid unnecessary debt.

Inter Tip: Your Wallet Works Better in Dollars

Using a traditional Brazilian credit card in the U.S. can lead to unnecessary costs due to IOF taxes and exchange rate spreads. With an Inter Global Account, you can convert reais into dollars at favorable times and use your international debit card without surprises.

In addition, the Inter app offers cashback in dollars at major retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Home Depot. By purchasing your household items or furniture through Inter Shop, you turn a necessary expense into a real savings opportunity—earning a portion of your money back directly into your account.

This kind of strategy makes a meaningful difference over time, especially when applied to recurring expenses. Small monthly savings can add up and have a real impact on your financial health.

Living outside Brazil requires adjustment, but with the right planning and tools, the cost of living in the U.S. can become a stepping stone toward your success.

More than understanding the numbers, what truly makes a difference is developing a new financial mindset: planning, tracking, and optimizing your expenses consistently.

Plan ahead, stop mentally converting currencies, and make the most of your life in the U.S.