One of the datasets from Experian is CAPE Consumer Expenditure estimating expenditures across a large list of categories. While some methodology is referenced in the Experian documents, there are frequent questions about the source of the data and what kinds of expenditures are included in a specific category. For those looking for a self-serve option, I'm referencing some of my go-to links for searching the BLS site.
Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX) starting page: http://www.bls.gov/cex/
CEX FAQ: http://www.bls.gov/cex/csxfaqs.htm
Copies of the actual CE Survey Forms: http://www.bls.gov/cex/csxsurveyforms.htm
Glossary of Terms: http://www.bls.gov/cex/csxgloss.htm including links to the Expenditure details - what goes into a category: http://www.bls.gov/cex/csxgloss.htm#expn
More about Experian CAPE CEX
- Updated once a year when the other CAPE demographics are updated
- Based upon the Consumer Expenditure Survey but refined further for use in Alteryx
- Total Expenditures are divided by Households to reflect an Average Household Expenditure
- Available for Current Year Estimates and Five-Year Projections
If there are questions which cannot be answered at the BLS site, submit your question to the Community including specific CEX fields, geography and how to replicate the data.
