Bay Area residents spend less than the national average on certain goods like cola beverages (-45%), prescription drugs (-49%), and cigarettes (-61%), but spend more on other goods like health and fitness clubs (+43%), books (+44%), and charity (+64%). The largest differences in spending compared to the national average are on wigs and hairpieces (-68%), women's tailored clothing (+170%), and housekeeping services (+97%).

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How Bay Area Residents Spend Their Money
Metro Area Average per Resident Spending vs National Averages
“What People Buy Where” by Elizabeth Currid-Halkett & Hyojung Lee, based on
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 year averages, SF-San Jose Metro Area 2007-2012, as
published in The New York TImes 12/14/14.
On average, Bay Area residents spend 45% less on cola
beverages than the national average, 49% less on prescription
drugs, 61% less on cigarettes, and 68% less on wigs and
hairpieces.
We spend 43% more on health & fitness clubs, 43% more on
watches, 44% more on books, 64% more on charity, and almost
twice as much on housekeeping services. Bay Area residents
also spend 170% more than the national average on women’s
tailored clothing.
- 68%
- 61%
- 49%
- 45%
Wigs & Hairpieces
Cigarettes
Prescription Drugs
Cola Beverages
43%
43%
44%
64%
97%
Health & Fitness Clubs
Watches
Books
Charity
Housekeeping Services
 Lowest spending per resident in the nation
 Lowest spending in the nation
Highest spending per resident in the nation 
4th highest spending per resident 
2nd highest spending (after Seattle) 
Highest spending per resident in the nation 