What type of expenses are variable expenses?

Variable expenses are costs that can fluctuate based on consumption or usage levels, meaning they are not fixed and can change from month to month. Utility bills and groceries fall into this category because they can vary greatly depending on personal usage and lifestyle choices. For example, utility bills may increase in the summer or winter months due to heating or cooling needs, and grocery bills fluctuate based on how often one eats out versus cooking at home.

In contrast, expenses such as rent and mortgage payments remain constant over a set period, making them fixed expenses. Health insurance premiums are typically set amounts that do not vary monthly, and car financing costs generally entail a fixed monthly payment as well. This clear distinction helps individuals manage their budgets, as variable expenses can be adjusted more flexibly compared to fixed expenses.