Report: NH residents spend more on food, gasoline, higher personal consumption than average

A report by the federal government says New Hampshire residents spend more than other states on food and gasoline.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis on Thursday released a report comparing the personal consumption expenditures of the 50 states. The report states New Hampshire's per capita personal consumption expenditure for 2012 was $41,621. That's ranked third-highest in New England, below Massachusetts and Connecticut. It is more than the national average of $35,498.

The report found that in 2012, New Hampshire, after Alaska and Vermont, spent the most on food and beverages for off-premises consumption per capita at $3,616. The report said northern New England has high expenditure shares in this category, compared to the District of Columbia, "where many restaurants provide an alternative to off-premises food and beverages."