The Canadian Press

Canadian households spent an average of $71,360 in 2008, 2% more than in 2007.

But luxuries played a relatively minor role, as the basics of subsistence accounted for the bulk of the increase.

Personal taxes accounted for 20.5% of the average household’s budget in 2008, while shelter represented 19.9%, transportation 13.6% and food 10.4%.

Albertans reported the highest average spending — $86,910 — followed by Ontarians at $77,310.

The largest increase in average spending per household was in Saskatchewan, where it rose 6.8% to $68,280.

Households in Newfoundland and Labrador reported the lowest average spending, at $57,710 — 4.9% more than in 2007.

Other 2008 household spending facts in the Statistics Canada report released Friday:

• Average personal taxes amounted to $14,600, up 1.1% from 2007. Taxes’ share of total spending was below their 1996 peak of 22%.

• Spending on shelter rose four% to $14,180, driven by a 10.5% rise in average spending for rental accommodation.

• Households spent an average of $9,720 on transportation, up 3.5%. Average spending on purchase of automobiles and trucks was up 6.7%, while spending on gasoline and other fuels increased by 0.5 to $2,230. Average spending on public transportation was $1,020, up 5.3%.

• Average household spending on cell phone and other wireless services was up 6.6% from 2007 to $550. Household spending on landline telephone service continued to fall, declining 5.1% to $580.

• Nearly four in five households (79.4%) reported owning a computer in 2008; up , while 74.6% reported having access to the Internet at home. Spending for computer hardware was down 2.7%, but spending for Internet access was up 6.1.