How Much Should You Budget For Groceries Each Month?
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What is the average cost of groceries per month?
What drives your grocery spending?
- Household size: Larger families tend to spend more on groceries each month. The one upside? Big families can take advantage of buying in bulk to lower per-person costs.
- Location and accessibility: Where you live can have a big impact on grocery prices. Even within the same city, prices and product selection can vary widely by ZIP code. Living near discount grocers or warehouse stores can also affect what you spend.
- Dietary restrictions: Prepare to spend more at the store if you need specialized products. They’re often more expensive than their counterparts, and have fewer discounts and promotions.
- Shopping habits: Smart shopping habits like meal planning, making a list, and using coupons can significantly lower grocery costs.
- In-store or online shopping preferences: Shopping for groceries online can help you save by limiting impulse buys, tracking your total in real time, and making price comparisons easier. However, added delivery fees, fewer in-store deals, and the risk of costly substitutions can make it more expensive overall.
How much should I spend on groceries each month?
Follow USDA food plans
Create a grocery budget
- $3,138 for needs, like basic groceries, housing and transportation.
- $1,883 for wants, like meals out, entertainment and travel.
- $1,255 for savings and loan payments beyond the minimum.

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Tips for grocery savings
- Look in your refrigerator and pantry before making a shopping list. Some grocery list apps, such as Out of Milk, have a pantry inventory feature to prevent you from buying duplicates.
- Find discounted grocery chains in your area, such as Aldi or Grocery Outlet, to save on your staples.
- Embrace store brands. Swapping even a few key items could lead to noticeable savings.
- Shop seasonally to get the freshest produce at the lowest prices.
- Join store loyalty programs to earn rewards.
- Explore ways to get coupons, through rewards programs, apps and other opportunities.
- Plan a “pantry week” where you try to make as many meals as you can with what’s on hand. You can reduce food waste, stretch your budget and get creative in the kitchen.

Article sources
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Consumer Price Index Summary. Accessed Jun 12, 2025.1. -
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Consumer Expenditures 2023. Accessed Jun 12, 2025.2. -
Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Official USDA Thrifty Food Plan: U.S. Average, April 2025. Accessed Jun 12, 2025.3.