Photo: Contributed - Stats Can

Statistics Canada says the country's households spent an average of $55,151 on goods and services in 2011, up 2.7 per cent from 2010.

The increase was slightly below the rate of inflation of 2.9 per cent as measured by the consumer price index.

The agency says spending on shelter accounted for 27.6 per cent of the total, with transportation accounting for 20.4 per cent and food taking 14.1 per cent.

Provincially, households in Alberta had the highest average spending on goods and services at $64,453. Prince Edward Island households, in contrast, had the lowest average at $45,190.

Couples with children reported average spending of $75,543 on goods and services.

Single seniors reported $26,047 in household spending.