Back-to-school bill climbs to $9,080 per child: survey
Capital One Canada describes families as planning across the full school year for recurring costs such as lunches, extracurriculars, technology updates, and mid-year supplies rather than concentrating spending in a single late-summer trip.
“Canadian parents are taking a proactive, year-round approach to back-to-school spending,” said Becca Mintz, managing vice president at Capital One Canada, in the company’s release.
She said families set aside funds in advance and use credit to manage expenses rather than relying on last-minute fixes.
Fifty-one percent of parents feel stressed about back-to-school spending, up from 45 percent in 2025, while 49 percent say improved budgeting has strengthened their financial situation compared with past years.
Fifty-nine percent are looking for back-to-school sales or coupons this year, down nine percentage points from 68 percent in 2025.
