How to use these benchmarks
Benchmarks are a reference point, not a target. Compare your own Meta (Facebook & Instagram) metrics against the industry closest to your business to see where you're ahead or behind — then focus on the gaps. A figure that's far from the benchmark is a prompt to investigate, not proof that something is wrong: your audience, offer, creative and season all move these numbers.
Why these numbers vary
Advertising costs and rates shift with competition, seasonality (many verticals see costs climb in Q4), audience targeting, ad quality and the objective you optimize for. Treat any single benchmark as the middle of a wide range rather than a fixed number, and re-check your own account data regularly.