Groceries are one expense every household has, and costs have risen significantly. Here’s what Americans actually spend and how to keep your bill reasonable.
Table of Contents
Average Grocery Spending by Household Size
Household Size
Monthly (Average)
USDA Thrifty Plan
USDA Low-Cost
USDA Moderate
USDA Liberal
1 person
$340
$230
$265
$340
$420
2 people
$580
$420
$480
$600
$740
3 people
$770
$560
$640
$790
$980
4 people
$920
$680
$770
$960
$1,200
5 people
$1,060
$780
$890
$1,100
$1,380
6+ people
$1,180
$880
$1,000
$1,240
$1,540
The USDA Thrifty Plan forms the basis for SNAP (food stamp) benefit calculations.
Grocery Spending by Age
Age Group
Monthly Per Person
Annual
Notes
Under 25
$280
$3,360
Less cooking, more eating out
25-34
$320
$3,840
Starting to cook more
35-44
$360
$4,320
Feeding families
45-54
$380
$4,560
Peak spending (teenage appetites)
55-64
$350
$4,200
Empty nester reduction
65-74
$310
$3,720
Smaller portions, more home cooking
75+
$270
$3,240
Reduced consumption
Grocery Spending by Income
Household Income
Monthly Grocery Spending
% of Income
Under $30K
$340
14-16%
$30K-$50K
$420
10-14%
$50K-$75K
$520
8-10%
$75K-$100K
$600
7-8%
$100K-$150K
$680
5-7%
$150K+
$820
4-5%
Lower-income households spend a much higher percentage of income on food.
Grocery Costs by State
State
Monthly Cost (Family of 4, Moderate Plan)
vs. National Avg.
Hawaii
$1,380
+44%
Alaska
$1,260
+31%
California
$1,120
+17%
New York
$1,100
+15%
Massachusetts
$1,080
+13%
Oregon
$1,040
+8%
Washington
$1,020
+6%
Connecticut
$1,010
+5%
National Average
$960
—
New Jersey
$960
0%
Maryland
$940
-2%
Colorado
$920
-4%
Vermont
$920
-4%
Illinois
$900
-6%
Florida
$880
-8%
Virginia
$880
-8%
Pennsylvania
$860
-10%
North Carolina
$840
-13%
Ohio
$840
-13%
Georgia
$820
-15%
Texas
$820
-15%
Michigan
$800
-17%
Indiana
$800
-17%
Missouri
$780
-19%
Tennessee
$780
-19%
Wisconsin
$780
-19%
Iowa
$760
-21%
Kansas
$760
-21%
Alabama
$740
-23%
Oklahoma
$740
-23%
Arkansas
$720
-25%
Mississippi
$700
-27%
Where Grocery Money Goes
Category
% of Grocery Budget
Monthly ($520 Budget)
Meat, poultry, fish
22%
$114
Fruits and vegetables
18%
$94
Dairy and eggs
12%
$62
Cereals, breads, bakery
11%
$57
Beverages (non-alcoholic)
8%
$42
Snacks and sweets
8%
$42
Frozen foods
7%
$36
Condiments and seasonings
5%
$26
Prepared foods
5%
$26
Other
4%
$21
How to Reduce Your Grocery Bill
Strategy
Potential Monthly Savings
Meal plan before shopping
$50-$100
Cook at home instead of takeout/dining
$200-$500
Buy store brands vs. name brands
$30-$80
Shop loss leaders and sales
$30-$60
Buy in bulk (Costco, Sam’s) for staples
$40-$80
Reduce food waste (use what you buy)
$50-$100
Eat less meat or more affordable proteins
$40-$80
Buy seasonal produce
$20-$40
Use cashback apps (Ibotta, Fetch)
$10-$30
Price match between stores
$20-$40
Sample Budget-Friendly Weekly Meal Plan (Family of 4)
