The cost of running the White House, from staff salaries to subscription services
An analysis of the operational costs of the White House, including staff salaries, maintenance, and residence upkeep. The report breaks down how taxpayer funds are allocated to manage the executive residence.
Why it matters
Offers transparency into the significant public expenditure required to maintain the U.S. executive branch's primary residence and office.
Construction of a new helipad on the South Lawn of the White House continues. Finn Gomez/Getty Images Running the White House Office and Residence costs millions every year. The White House Office is expected to spend about $51 million on permanent staff pay in fiscal 2026. Using government data, Business Insider compiled the costs of running the White House. Keeping the White House running is no small feat — and comes at no small cost. With 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and a kitchen capable of serving dinner to as many as 140 guests and hors d'oeuvres to more than 1,000, looking after the residence is a lot of work. Then there's the cost of White House operations, which includes tens of millions of dollars a year in staff compensation and travel.
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