Back to school comes with a new wave of costs this year, driven by a broader inflationary period that families in Canada and the United States are feeling. Expenses that used to be predictable are now less certain as prices rise across essentials, transportation, and classroom needs, prompting many households to adjust routines to manage the school-year budget.
Overall price growth has touched the July consumer price index, with notable spikes in utilities and fuel. Electricity, diesel, and gasoline have shown particularly sharp increases, while everyday items necessary for students cling to elevated levels. Parents often shoulder these costs when getting children ready for the classroom season.
In a recent survey by a market research platform, 36% of families reported that changes in back-to-school plans are their biggest worry this year, followed by the costs of books (27%) and school supplies (26%). This snapshot reflects how many households are prioritizing different line items to balance budgets during the upcoming school term.
To ease travel expenses, governments have announced targeted supports. In some regions, multi-trip rail passes will be offered for a limited period, with discounts applied to rail services and related public transit routes. Authorities also indicated potential reductions in transport fares by as much as 30%, with discussions about extending or increasing these subsidies in the coming months to further encourage public transport use over car travel.
These measures are paired with a broader aim: keep families off the road and reduce overall commuting time for many households as September approaches. The hope is that less driving translates into steadier household budgets and more predictable daily routines for students and caregivers alike.
Alternatives to save
Back-to-school purchases often target books and classroom supplies, a category sensitive to market shifts. This year has seen price movements in paper products, stationery, textbooks, and fiction titles, with varied inflations across each category. Families are looking for ways to trim costs without compromising education, responding to the broader price environment.
Survey insights show several practical strategies gaining traction. About half of families anticipate reusing school supplies, while a sizable portion plans to take advantage of promotions and discounts. Regional assistance programs, buying used materials, and borrowing items from networks are also common approaches participants expect to use.
Most students will continue using school canteens for meals, but a notable minority—around one in seven—plans to pack lunches to save. As food prices rise across staples like pasta, butter, milk, eggs, cereals, and other pantry essentials, families are weighing meal decisions against budget realities.
A segment of families with children in special or compatible education programs indicated they might switch to a public school option if needed, reflecting a consideration of cost alongside accessibility and services. This choice underscores the broader tension between educational needs and household finances in the current climate.
National statistics show varying trends across educational levels. Secondary education costs rose modestly in the latest period compared with a year earlier, while primary education remained nearly flat. Higher education showed a smaller increase, and early childhood education posted a minor uptick, illustrating the segmented impact of inflation across the education spectrum.