How Much Do Women Spend on Period Products?
Understand the comprehensive financial outlay for period products. This article explores the true cost of menstruation, revealing how expenses accumulate over time.
Period products, including pads, tampons, and menstrual cups, are a necessity for many. They provide hygiene and comfort during menstruation, a natural biological process. The ongoing need for these items results in a recurring financial outlay. This article quantifies the financial commitment associated with purchasing period products over a lifetime, exploring influencing factors and the impact of sales tax.
Understanding Annual and Lifetime Costs
Annual period product costs typically range from $120 to $180 for an average individual. Some estimates suggest this figure could extend to $300 per year, depending on specific needs and product choices. Menstruation usually begins around age 12 and concludes with menopause around age 51, meaning an individual may experience periods for 35 to 40 years, totaling around 450 menstrual cycles.
Projecting these annual costs over a menstruating lifetime reveals a substantial cumulative expense. Based on annual spending between $120 and $180, the total lifetime cost can range from about $4,200 to over $7,200. Some analyses indicate even higher lifetime expenditures, potentially reaching up to $18,000. These figures represent average estimates, and individual circumstances can cause actual spending to vary considerably.
Factors Affecting Period Product Spending
Several variables influence an individual’s expenditure on period products. The type of product chosen is a determinant of cost. Disposable options like pads and tampons typically cost $6 to $10 per box, leading to a monthly expense of $10 to $15. Individuals often require around 40 disposable products per cycle, contributing to these recurring costs.
Reusable products, while requiring a higher initial investment, offer significant long-term savings. A menstrual cup, for instance, costs $20 to $40 upfront and can last for up to 10 years, reducing the annual cost to $4 to $16. Reusable cloth pads, priced at $10 to $20 each or $39 to $130 for a set, can last 3 to 5 years, resulting in an annual expense of approximately $30. Period underwear, costing $15 to $40 per pair, can last 2 to 5 years; several pairs are needed for a cycle, translating to an annual cost of $20 to $32.50 per pair, making them a cost-effective choice over time.
The Financial Impact of Sales Tax
Sales tax significantly contributes to the financial burden of period products. This levy, often called the “tampon tax,” applies because many jurisdictions classify these items as non-essential goods. While many states exempt essential items like groceries and prescription medications from sales tax, period products are frequently subjected to standard sales tax rates.
Although sales tax on a single purchase may seem minor, it accumulates considerably over time. Sales tax rates vary across jurisdictions, typically ranging from 0% to 7% on period products in states where they are taxed. As of mid-2025, approximately 18 to 21 states continue to impose sales tax on these items. This ongoing taxation adds an avoidable expense to a consistent financial obligation for individuals who menstruate.