How much Charlotte parents are spending on back-to-school shopping

By the numbers: Parents in Charlotte are expected to spend an average of $758 per child this year — 29% higher than the national average of $586.

• They're also spending more than other families across the South; the regional average is $618.
• The local breakdown is $299 on clothing, $530 on tech, $187 on school supplies and $98 on other purchases, the survey shows.
• 77% of the spending took place by the end of July.

Plus, 9 in 10 of Charlotte parents surveyed are signing their children up for extracurriculars that will cost an additional $707 on average.

• Households making less than $50,000 annually will spend about $331 on these activities, while homes earning over $100,000 will pay around $883.

Other takeaways: Roughly half of parents polled expect to spend around the same amount as last year, even though most sense prices are up.

• Still, 84% of parents say they'll splurge on items for their kids, either to make the transition more exciting, celebrate achievements or for another reason.
• Last year local parents were spending only slightly less on back-to-school, an average of $749.
• 63% of Charlotte parents plan to treat themselves to something during their shopping sprees.

What's next: The first day for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students is Aug. 26.