U.S. Consumers Prioritize Budgeting Amid Rising Costs This Summer

New Trustpilot data reveals U.S. consumers are committed to summer vacation while budgeting harder and staying local.

Trustpilot’s 2025 Summer Spending Survey shows rising costs significantly influence U.S. consumer spending this summer. More than half of the respondents (55%) are saving and budgeting for their summer activities. However, 42% plan to spend less than last summer on activities such as concerts and travel, and around half (46%) plan to spend under $500. This data reflects the rising financial caution among consumers, which is linked to concerns about affordability and economic uncertainty.

Spending Plans and Trends

The spending plans suggest that most U.S. consumers plan to have a low-key summer, with 37% reducing their summer spending and travel to save money. Meanwhile, 20% prioritize low-cost or free activities to stretch their budgets. Interestingly, nearly a quarter (23%) plan to spend more on activities this summer than in past years.

Impact on Travel Plans

The survey reveals that only 24% of respondents prioritize travel and cut back elsewhere to afford their travel plans. Over one-third (37%) are changing their travel habits this summer, opting to stay local rather than taking a long-distance trip, while 19% aren’t changing their travel habits or spending.

Cutting Back on Other Expenses

To afford their summer fun, U.S. consumers are also reducing their spending on shopping (35%), streaming and entertainment subscriptions (18%), winter/spring travel (17%), and even groceries (13%). To avoid taking on debt, 17% use credit cards to fund their summer spending, and only 7% plan to use Buy Now Pay Later offerings – most plan to use their savings or regular income.

Strategies to Stay on Budget

Staying on budget won’t be easy, but consumers aren’t opposed to missing out on activities to save money – 18% have turned down at least one planned activity, and 29% have turned down a couple of planned activities. To stay on track, nearly half (49%) said they only buy what they know they’ll like and plan to read reviews before making purchases, while 21% will set monitoring alerts and wait for prices to drop.

Role of Reviews

“Trustpilot’s data shows that consumers are becoming more intentional with their spending, cutting back on risky spending and prioritizing quality time and experiences over material goods,” said Dana Bodine, U.S. Vice President of Marketing at Trustpilot. “Reviews have become a key tool for Americans to get the most out of their time and money this summer.”

Survey Methodology

The survey, conducted from May 7-9, 2025, polled 1,001 consumers on how financial concerns influence their summer spending decisions, what they prioritize spending on this summer, and how they plan to finance their summer activities.