More than six in 10 Canadians say back-to-school shopping is a strain on their household budget, with 45% calling it a “somewhat significant” expense and 18% a “very significant” one.

The Leger back-to-school survey of approximately 1,500 parents of school-aged children also reveals that younger parents are the most affected, with 74% of those aged 18 to 34 reporting a major impact on their finances.

The numbers also show 60% of respondents reported an increase of back-to-school costs compared with 2024 levels, with 21% describing expenses as “much higher.”

Families with children in public schools are the most likely to report increases, with 64% indicating higher costs. Regionally, Ontario parents are the most affected, with 69% reporting higher costs.

Beyond financial concerns, many parents also feel emotionally taxed by the back-to-school season. Overall, close to 58% find the process stressful, with 18% of that group describing it as very stressful and 39% as somewhat stressful.

When it comes to where parents shop, big-box retailers such as Walmart and Canadian Tire are by far the most popular choice (61%).

Atlantic Canadians overindex on their preference for big box retailers at 68% as does the 55-and-older set at 71%. Albertans underindex on big-box shops at 48% as does the 18-35 demographic at 55%.

Dollar stores (38%) and online retailers (38%) are also widely used, while about one-third of parents (34%) say they plan to reuse supplies from older children or from past school years.

Ontarians are most likely to choose dollar channels (50%) versus Quebeckers, the least likely (28%).

The main factor influencing store choice overall is cost, with three in four parents prioritizing price. Product quality comes second at 54%, while convenience also matters, as 28% of poll participants value being able to find everything in one place.

Quebecers are far more likely than other Canadians to put a premium on store proximity (33%) versus Atlantic Canadians (9%).

Most parents (58%) prefer to buy all school supplies at the beginning of the school year, while 39% spread purchases out as needed throughout the year. This “all at once” approach is especially common in Quebec, where 80% of parents say they buy everything up front.

British Columbians are far most likely to buy supplies as needed (51%) versus 18% of Quebecers.