Average Allowance by Age: A Quick Guide (2025)
"How much are other parents paying?" It's the taboo question at the playground. We're pulling back the curtain on allowance rates.
The "Dollar per Year" Rule
The most common formula used by parents today is simple: $1 per week for every year of age.
This naturally adjusts for inflation (as their "wants" get more expensive) without you having to constantly renegotiate.
Average Weekly Allowance Rates (2025 Data)
Based on community surveys and user data, here are the average ranges we see:
| Age Group | Weekly Allowence | Recommended Spends |
|---|---|---|
| 5-7 Years | $3 - $7 | Treats, small toys |
| 8-10 Years | $8 - $12 | Books, game currency, collectibles |
| 11-13 Years | $15 - $25 | Outings with friends, clothes, tech accessories |
| 14+ Years | $30 - $50+ | Eating out, gas, saving for car |
Want a country specific recommendation?
Use our interactive calculator to get a precise amount based on your child's exact age and your location.
What Should Allowance Cover?
The amount you pay depends heavily on what you expect them to buy themselves.
If you pay for everything (movies, clothes, snacks), a lower allowance is fine. But if you want them to learn budgeting? Give a higher allowance but make them responsible for their own discretionary spending.
Pro Tip: The "Split" Method
Don't just hand over the cash. Encourage (or enforce) a split to build healthy habits:
For wants within reason.
For big goals.
Charity or gifts.