Survey: How much will a great summer cost homeowners in 2026?

Methodology

In late May 2026, we surveyed 1,003 homeowners nationwide on their anticipated summer budget and costs. We then tabulated these expenses to see what the average homeowner’s summer budget might look like. Among respondents, 49% were men, 50% women, and 1% nonbinary or did not disclose; ages ranged from 18-70 with an average age of 44. 

We ran a similar survey in 2025 and, in some instances, compared year over year data to showcase trends.

30% More Homeowners Cutting Costs in 2026 vs 2025, According to Survey

The cost of living has not gone lower, and homeowners aren’t immune to feeling the pinch. In fact, 47% of respondents indicated their primary summer plan for 2026 is the less interesting yet fiscally responsible approach of “enjoying their mortgage.” 12% even said they’re being less social this year due to the costs associated with socializing. 

Summer, with its myriad fun opportunities, can be pricey. 59% of respondents felt that summer is the most costly season, and 54% are worried about summertime affordability (up 6% from 2025’s survey). Nearly half (49%) indicated their summer fun bucket list isn’t affordable for them this year.

Prices increased unevenly; homeowners surveyed felt increases in gas, groceries, and electricity bills most keenly. To combat these rises in the overall cost of living, 70% of homeowners surveyed are cutting their costs this summer, a whopping 30% increase over 2025’s survey respondents. Over a third are eliminating travel, while just under 1 in 5 are reducing summer activities like camping or the beach. Finally, over 1 in 6 are reducing air conditioning usage to save on their electric bills. 

Another approach to summer fun is taking on strategic debt: those we surveyed were most likely to do so for travel, DIY home improvement projects, or even utility bills to stay cool.

Monthly Summer Costs Totaling Over $1,000 for Some Survey Respondents

When we asked homeowners their anticipated budgets, we uncovered some interesting trends. The average electric bill across all homeowners increased by $78 year over year, now averaging $308 monthly among respondents. Water averaged roughly $165 monthly. Homeowners factoring in pool filling and maintenance can look forward to a basic summer budget of $1,003 monthly.

39% of those we surveyed are worried about affording their electric bills; among northeasterners, this expands to 48%. Another 23% are worried about affording their water bills, and 30% of homeowners in the western US we surveyed are worried about running out of water. 

While pools make any owner the center of envy, the maintenance and upkeep these oases require can sometimes tarnish the shine. 22% of the homeowners we surveyed who own pools regret it, and 27% said that owning a pool is more expensive than simply joining a community pool. 

Parents are also feeling the squeeze. Among the parents in our survey, 40% revealed they were enrolling their children in fewer activities to cut costs. 39% are signing their kids up for summer sports, and 37% are sending their kids to camp. Even with reduced activity, the average cost of childcare activities for 2026 among respondents is a steep $861. 

Summer 2026 DIY: Average Budget $3,344

With the warmer months comes the big opportunity to upgrade the home without the risk of cold or freeze. As such, it’s not shocking that 61% of our survey respondents are planning a DIY project, with midwesterners leading the regions as DIY dominators. 

Top projects for the summer include gardening (72%), landscaping (63%), interior redecorating (31%), patio / deck building (24%), and a full interior remodel (21%). Respondents are budgeting an average of $3,344 for their projects, with the west spending the most at an average of $3793. 

Peace of Mind Comes with a Warranty

Nothing can cause summertime blues like an unexpected break in a home system or appliance. Happily, with the right plan coverage from AHS, you can rest easy knowing repair or replacement will be handled with minimal cost to you– no matter your budget. Check out our plan offerings today and see what’s best for you.

Key Takeaways from Our 2025 Survey

• 48% were worried about affording summer 2025
• 40% cut costs
• Average national electric bill: $230
  • Water: $134
  • Pool maintenance: $233
• Top Summer 2025 DIY Projects:
  • Landscaping
  • Painting
  • Deck/Patio
  • Remodeling

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.