The geography of spending

What People Buy Where
New York Times Sunday Review, Opinion, December 12. 2014
By Elizabeth Currid-Halkitt

CONSPICUOUS consumption is everywhere, but it’s not the same everywhere. People living in certain cities spend far more than the national average on particular goods and services that they believe will enhance their social standing.   

Read the article.

See the graphic. 

How your city influences your spending

Atlanta 

NEW MOTORCYCLES +230%

VITAMINS +115%

WOMEN’S SUITS +100%

FUNERAL COSTS +66%

LAWN, GARDEN EQUIPMENT +63%

SOUVENIRS +55%

WOMEN’S UNDERGARMENTS –1%

PETS–20%

CHARITY–35%

MEN’S UNDERWEAR –45%

DATING SERVICES–47%

CIGARETTES–48%