Average Pocket Money In The Uk

Let’s talk about the real national treasure: pocket money. It’s the fuel for childhood dreams. And in the UK, it’s a surprisingly serious business.

So, what’s the average figure? Brace yourself. In 2024, the average UK kid gets about £7 to £8 a week.

That’s it. That’s a fancy coffee and a bag of crisps. But wait—it gets weirder.

The Age Money Map

Age is everything. A five-year-old might get £2. A fifteen-year-old? They can pull in £15 or more.

Why the jump? Because teenagers have expensive tastes. They need phone credit, cinema tickets, and suspiciously expensive fizzy drinks.

One survey found that kids aged 11 to 16 get an average of £11.40 per week. Meanwhile, tiny tots are still hoarding 50p coins like dragon gold.

The Gender Gap (Yes, it’s a thing)

Here’s a quirky and frustrating fact: boys often get more. Studies show boys can receive up to £1 more per week than girls.

Is it fair? No. Is it real? Apparently. Parents, check your wallets.

On the flip side, girls are more likely to save their cash. Boys? They’re buying football stickers and energy drinks like it’s going out of style.

The Chore Connection

Here’s where it gets funny. Not all pocket money is free. Some kids earn it.

Common chores include: making the bed, washing dishes, or walking the dog. One survey found that 40% of kids have to do chores for their cash.

But here’s the twist: chores don’t guarantee big bucks. In fact, kids who do no chores sometimes get more money. Injustice!

We call this the “Lazy Kid Premium.” It’s a real thing. Be warned.

The Digital Spending Spree

Today’s pocket money is digital. Gone are the days of a shiny 50p in your palm.

Kids now use apps like GoHenry or RoosterMoney. Parents load the card, kids tap for snacks. Magic!

This has a downside though. One study found that kids spend 40% of their money on in-app purchases. V-bucks and Roblox skins are the new penny sweets.

If you’re a parent, you’re basically funding a digital candy shop. Good luck.

The London Premium

Location matters. A lot. London kids get the biggest haul.

In the capital, average pocket money hits £12 to £15 a week. That’s double what a kid in rural Scotland might see.

Why? Because everything is expensive in London. Even a Kit Kat costs a fortune. Oh, and rents are high—but kids don’t pay those. Yet.

The Savers vs. Spenders

This is the fundamental battle of childhood. Some kids are born savers; others are born spenders.

British kids are surprisingly good at saving. About 70% of children say they put some money away. That’s better than most adults.

But the goal? Often it’s a giant Lego set or a Nintendo Switch. Not a pension. Don’t get too impressed.

Interestingly, kids who save tend to be happier with their money. Their secret? They use a physical piggy bank. You can’t hear “cha-ching” from an app.

The Pocket Money Inflation Curve

Pocket money has risen over time. In the 1990s, a typical kid got £1 a week. That’s enough for a Freddo and a bus ride.

Now, £1 gets you nothing. Inflation is real, and it hits the candy aisle hard.

Adjusted for inflation, pocket money has actually grown slower than prices. So, kids today are richer in numbers, but poorer in sweets. Irony.

The Weirdest Pocket Money Facts

Let’s end with pure fun. Did you know that one in ten kids gets no pocket money at all? They rely on birthday cash from Grandma.

Also, the highest pocket money in the UK goes to kids in Surrey. They average £14 a week. Why Surrey? Because there’s not much else to do except buy expensive jumpers.

And finally, the most common thing kids buy with pocket money? Sweets. Followed by video games. Followed by “stuff I don’t need.”

Classic.

Why This Matters (Sort Of)

Pocket money is a window into childhood. It teaches us about value, patience, and the crushing disappointment of a faulty slushie machine.

It’s also a secret economy. Every week, millions of pounds move from parent to child. It’s the world’s most inefficient banking system.

But it’s fun. It’s a little ritual. It’s the reason kids try to haggle: “Can I have £10? Please? I’ll clean my room eventually.”

So next time you see a kid buying a giant tub of Haribo, remember: that’s not just candy. That’s history. That’s British culture. And that’s their entire week’s wages.

Respect the pocket money. And maybe check if your own parents owe you arrears.