Statistics Norway has used periodic consumer surveys as a basis for preparing and updating the weighting basis of the Consumer Price Index. Detailed overviews of consumption in private households has also constituted an important basis the Level of living statistics, and for research on income, living conditions and effects of the tax system's use of direct and indirect taxes. The material is so detailed that it provides an interesting basis for diet analysis. Data can also be used for demand studies in finnancial planning models and specification of private consumption in the national account.

From 1958 to 1973 SSB conducted Consumption Expenditure Surveys with multiple-year intervals. Iin 1974 SSB changed to a system of annual surveys with slightly less range. As of 1974 the data is published for three years at a time. The annual gross sample is about 1500 households, and the net sample consists of 1100 to 1200 households. The aim of the surveys is to build up a detailed overview of the consumption in private households, as the basis for updating the weights in the consumer price index. One also wants to study consumption of different types of households. Households are classified by characteristics such as household type, income, occupational status and age, region, size of total consumption expenditure, etc.