Wellness looks different for everyone. Some people might find that prescription meds and yoga work for them; others could thrive on a vegetarian diet and regular doctor check-ups. But one thing we can all agree on is that it isn’t cheap.
According to the Global Wellness Institute, Americans shell out over $6,000 each year on wellness, making the US the clear leader in this sector. In comparison, the average annual wellness spending in the UK is about $3,342.
So, where does all that money go? We reached out to five individuals to detail their monthly expenditures on health and wellness.
Julia (pseudonym), 26, Pennsylvania
Occupation: environmental consultant
Income: $80,000
Honestly, I sometimes feel a bit awkward about how much we spend on wellness, as I think it should be achievable without breaking the bank. Still, what I’m doing now feels right for me, both mentally and physically.
Food: roughly $300-$350 on groceries—mostly fresh produce and some canned goods, but I do pick up convenience foods when I need to. I aim for a vegan diet, but I wouldn’t say I’m fully there, so I guess vegetarian suits me better.
Medical: around $370
Fitness: close to $500
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$360 on personal training
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$20 gym membership (discounted via personal training), plus $45 for a protein powder subscription
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I’m also part of a run club and recreational sports league. They charge upfront, but together they average about $75 monthly. Ironically, I don’t see myself as athletic, but my spending tells a different story.
Cosmetic care: about $55
Miscellaneous: I’d estimate around $90 for random wellness buys, including gear for biking and kayaking or art classes.
Monthly total: approximately $1,340
Ellen (pseudonym), 33, London
Occupation: office worker
Annual income: £80,000
Maintaining health and wellness can be quite costly and labor-intensive, especially with chronic illnesses.
I deal with high blood pressure and autoimmune issues. Even though the NHS provides a lot of care, some treatments come out-of-pocket since they aren’t covered by private insurance. Plus, NHS waits can be long, so I occasionally choose to pay privately for quicker access.
Although I’m not severely disabled, I do need to actively pursue a healthy lifestyle to manage my symptoms. Stress exacerbates my condition, so lowering stress is always a goal.
Food: about £940
My partner and I focus on health, optimizing our protein and fiber intake. We have a meal delivery service for convenience, but I also enjoy cooking from scratch.
Medical: typically £390, though it fluctuates. Regular costs include:
- £60 for dental care
- £100 for psychotherapy, partially covered by insurance
- £100-£200 for occasional physiotherapy
- £80 for prescriptions
- £20 for contact lenses
- £30 on supplements
Fitness: around £382
- £320 for my gym, plus personal training
- Averages about £50 for yoga or pilates classes
- Subscriptions to health-tracking apps cost about £12
Cosmetic care: about £225
- Roughly £100 on toiletries
- £50 for haircuts
- £75 for nail treatments
Miscellaneous: We enjoy spa sessions at a local Russian bathhouse, going about once a month for around £90.
Monthly total: roughly £2,027
Joshua, 35, and Nicolle, 35, Nevada
Occupation: healthcare data analyst and nurse
Combined income: $175,000
We invest quite a bit in our health and wellbeing monthly, but the sense of peace it brings is worth every dollar. Our jobs are highly stressful, and we’ve found ways to decompress through fitness.
Cooking has turned into a bonding ritual for us, usually followed by a movie to unwind. Both activities require some investment, but it’s enjoyable.
Insurance is a necessary expense that we hope we never actually need. We opt for the best health and dental insurance available, having witnessed how quickly life can change with one health crisis.
Food: $1,526
- $1,439 for groceries
- $87 for occasional fast food
Medical: about $1,670
- $1,250 for medical insurance
- $120 for dental insurance
- $230 for flexible spending account (FSA)
- $65 for a specialty medication
- About $5 replacing basic health supplies
Fitness: around $378
- $278 for two gym memberships
- $100 for health-related supplies like shoes and vitamins
Cosmetic care: We save $150 monthly for haircuts and cosmetics.
Monthly total: roughly $3,802
Anna, 48, New York
Occupation: food stylist
Annual household income: over $100,000
Being Swedish, I grew up with free healthcare, so adjusting to the US system has been a challenge. The unpredictability of costs here is intimidating, especially as a freelancer. It’s tough to find affordable health insurance.
Investing in wellness feels different to me. I’m genuinely interested in health and fitness; I find enjoyment in my workouts, and it’s a social aspect of my life too. It’s an investment in my future, and fortunately, I live in an area conducive to outdoor activities for free.
Food: between $800 and $1,000. We are passionate about quality, often choosing organic products, and prefer cooking from scratch, avoiding processed foods.
Medical: around $2,134
- $2,067 for health insurance, with a high deductible meaning extra costs outside regular check-ups
- $37 for dental insurance
- $30 for medications
Fitness: $219. I have my own gym, which, aside from the initial setup cost of about $4,000, saves me in the long run.
- $44 for a Peloton membership
- $175 for a yoga studio membership
Cosmetic care: Typically, I spend about $379 for Botox treatments throughout the year.
Miscellaneous: Approximately $198.75
- $6.50 monthly for a heart-health app
- $29.99 per year for a sleep app
- $76 for metabolism powder
- $75 for various supplements, depending on the season
- $38.75 for protein powder
Monthly total: about $3,830
