Enriching Income Data with Expenditure Information: A Semi-Parametric Imputation Technique

Abstract

In this paper we describe a methodology for enriching an income dataset with information on expenditures using a semi-parametric imputation technique. Engel curves are first estimated semi-parametrically on household budget data. We then show how the technique can be used to impute expenditure information into a separate income dataset. As an example we show results from the imputation of expenditures in a separate income file using Belgian household budget data.