Americans Value Free Time at $87 an Hour, Fueling Delivery Economy

The survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, conducted by FinanceBuzz and Bank of America, highlights a fundamental shift in how households manage their daily schedules. More than half of respondents report that their spending on convenience services has climbed over the last five years. Melinda Sineriz, Managing Editor at FinanceBuzz, notes that this expenditure reflects a strategic decision to buy back personal time rather than mere impulse buying.

Despite the reliance on these platforms, price sensitivity remains a significant friction point. The average consumer will abandon an online order once delivery fees reach $9.49, yet many remain locked into automated membership costs that average $264 annually. This behavior is most pronounced in Gen Z, who place an average of 4.3 food delivery orders per month—nearly triple the rate of Baby Boomers. While younger generations are the heaviest users, they are also the most likely to experience guilt or embarrassment regarding their spending habits.