D.C. leads nation in personal spending

Per capita consumer spending in the District rose 3.6 percent in 2012, with each D.C. resident spending an average of $59,425 on consumer goods and services. That’s 65 percent more than the national average of $35,498.

The Commerce Department’s U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released personal consumption data by state in a first-ever report, and when compared to states, the District had by far the highest per capita personal consumption in the nation.

D.C. residents also spend a lot at bars and restaurants, with a per capita off-site food and beverage expenditure of $3,599 in 2012, 31 percent higher than the national average.

Personal consumption expenses grew faster than in 2011 in only D.C., Arizona, North Carolina, Nevada and Utah.

Consumer spending in Virginia rose 2.9 percent to $38,113 in 2012. It rose 2.7 percent in Maryland to $40,980.

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