Monthly Average Grocery Bill?

A few visitors that have been arriving here for searching for the Monthly Average Grocery Bill.

When they come here, they’ll only find my spending which is around $300-400 for a family of 3. But it got me thinking about asking everyone about your grocery bills.

Anyone else care to share your family size and how much you spend on groceries?

I have never been one to use coupons because I always thought that store brands were less expensive, but after seeing this guy eating well on $1 a day so his average monthy grocery bill is less than $30, I may give it a try.

Posted by Tricia on November 3, 2006 at 8:48 PM in Spending Money | 235 Comments »
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dimes responded:
Posted: November 3rd, 2006 at 9:28 pm
2 of us, about $330/month when we’re both here but that includes junk like beer and energy beverages. According to the FDA we should be spending $388.30 per month, and they certainly don’t account for beer and energy beverages
When it’s just me I spend between $35-40 every week, so around $150/month.

I also take advantage of grocery coupons (you can see exactly what coupons are available each week) and still eat organically by using organic coupons which a lot of people don’t know are available.
Dawn responded:
Posted: November 3rd, 2006 at 9:48 pm
Our family consists of me, my husband, our three year old son and one and a half year old son. On average we spend about $240 a month on groceries. We avoid eating out, but now that we make a meal plan and grocery list, we enjoy meals we cook more than eating out. We do buy Mt. Dew for my husband. Since we started shopping at our new Wal-Mart Super Center our bill has decreased. We buy a lot of generics, but do have a few select favorite name brands. We avoid “convenience food” in general, but the meal planning and sticking to a well planned list has helped us a lot. The best thing has been the fact that we no longer have to decide what to cook for dinner. That was a huge frustrating waste of time for us in the past.
Dawn responded:
Posted: November 3rd, 2006 at 9:50 pm
Oops! That was a typo, I meant about $280 per month.
MOMM responded:
Posted: November 3rd, 2006 at 10:20 pm
We spend A LOT on food…it’s the one thing that DH won’t budge on. We rarely eat out (like once every couple of months, maybe once a month rare) and DH packs a lunch. For a family of four (us, two kids ages 5 & 3) we regularly spend $400 a month, that’s our minimum. It’s between $200 and $250 a check, sometimes higher, but just about never lower. I’ve been searching for ways to save and just haven’t figured it out. LOL
Binary Dollar responded:
Posted: November 3rd, 2006 at 10:23 pm
Single – ~$150.
Pince of Thrift responded:
Posted: November 3rd, 2006 at 11:59 pm
Interesting, that ypu posted this today. I just created a new blog (groceryprices.livejournal.com) that encourages participants to post price comparisons for groceries at Grocery Stores in their local areas.
bc responded:
Posted: November 4th, 2006 at 12:22 am
Two of us around $200 give or take a little depending on how many fancy meals we want to eat at home.
Golbguru responded:
Posted: November 4th, 2006 at 12:54 am
We are just two of us and average about $400…damn we must be eating a lot !
debtinseattle responded:
Posted: November 4th, 2006 at 2:19 am
Hi Tricia! There are 5 of us – my husband and I, a 7 year old, a 3 year old and a 1 1/2 girl and I can feed our family on about $240.00. I grocery shop based on the circulars & stock up on good deals. By having a wells tocked pantry of food, I can get buy with buying lots of veggies & taking advantages of deals.
eva responded:
Posted: November 4th, 2006 at 9:46 am
We spend about $500 on average for the two of us, which I think is up pretty significantly since moving to DC from Arizona. Though, I couldn’t tell you for sure, since I wasn’t tracking my spending as closely then.

We mostly have to stick to certain brands, however, because of my allergy to corn. So we’re limited to cost savings by using coupons when we can get them.
Amber responded:
Posted: November 4th, 2006 at 12:13 pm
It’s just me and I budget $200 a month but that includes any non food items like laundry soap and shampoo when necessary and eating out on occasion. I don’t always spend it all though but that’s what I give myself.
Frugal.Homemaker.Plus responded:
Posted: November 4th, 2006 at 1:22 pm
Two of us and one dog- we spend 150-200 a month. This includes non-food items but not eating out. We are spending about 50 dollars a month eating out right now.
hopefultc responded:
Posted: June 27th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
We spend an average of $400-$450 per month on groceries for a family of 4. I include toiletries, non food items such as laundry detergent,scented candles,cleaning supplies and dogfood as well as over the counter medications, vitamens,etc…in this amount.
Diane responded:
Posted: July 22nd, 2007 at 1:17 pm
I have a family of 5, three of which are 16 year old triplet boys. My food bill right now is on average $1,000 a month, and i think that might be low balling a little. I can’t keep food in the house, I go to the grocery at least 2-3 times a week at $90-$100 dollars a pop. I look for sales and I use coupons.I stick to Wal-Mart or lower cost grocery stores, anything to reduce the cost.
Amy responded:
Posted: September 3rd, 2007 at 1:16 pm
WOW! I feel terrible now. I’ve just increased our grocery budget from $600.00 to $700.00 a month (which is what got me searching for averages) for a typical family of 4. Although we also have 2 dogs and this includes toiletries and cleaning supplies. I think our higher numbers are from getting organic dairy and wheat products. I won’t buy anything with artificial preservatives, colors or flavors (my son is sensitive) so that pretty much rules out most generic brands. Thank goodness walmart is starting to carry more natural products.
Brandy responded:
Posted: October 2nd, 2007 at 2:15 pm
A family of 4 myself husband and 9 yr old and 1 yr old and we spend about 400+ a month and that is just enough hamburger meat and helpers to get through a 2 week peroid and lunches O.o what the heck i need a plan man
katherine responded:
Posted: October 8th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
We spend $1000 per month, for a family of 5, with 3 teenagers, and their friends . No sodas or cookies unless they bake them…but I don’t know how you do it for much less, especially when they pack a lunch each day. I buy bulk, I buy on special, I buy lots of fresh veggies. I don’t buy wheat or gluten items (I’m allergic), which adds to the cost a lot…but still, I can’t conceive of $500 per month…($100 per person per month, or $3 per day per person) I’ll have to work on that…Cereals and meat alone can easily be $3.00 per person per day…
overspending responded:
Posted: October 28th, 2007 at 10:01 am
I am single, living in Massachusetts. I spend $280 per month on food. That does not include eating out or alcohol. I do entertain about once a week. I now know why I am broke at the end of the month.
John responded:
Posted: November 17th, 2007 at 8:25 am
I have an anxiety attack every Saturday morning when I pay the bills. I have been asking my wife to keep the monthly spend at $900/mo but she has been averaging $1000/mo. We both work, have 3 boys 13,16,20. She will make on average 20 trips per mo to the store. I wish could get her to do 4/mo and utilize the freezer for planning instead of all the processed heat and eat junk the kids demand. Is $900/mo realistic? How often do you shop? Any advice would be appreciated.
Julie responded:
Posted: November 21st, 2007 at 2:23 am
We just went to the store tonight. We spent 130.00 and that was for a family of 3, me hubby and 10 y.o. dau. I picked out several recipes for the a 2 week period. I setteled on 12 and many of them are chicken or turkey (utilize the left overs!!)My hubby groaned when I spent 300 one month, so that is why I am trying to see if we are out of the ballpark, or too low.
Hillary responded:
Posted: November 23rd, 2007 at 10:52 am
I’m wondering if location has a lot to do with these averages. We’re in RI and I was just analyzing our numbers…I’m showing that we’re (family of 3 plus 2 dogs) spending $500+/month on groceries. However, my grocery numbers do include trips to BJs, where we buy dog food, diapers, trash bags, paper goods, toiletries, etc…and sometimes random items, like decorations or something. I’m goign to try to analyze deeper and see where we can cut costs, because, although groceries are costly out here, I think we’re definitely overspending!
Kristin responded:
Posted: November 30th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
I think this sort of poll needs some guidelines or it will be hard to get figures that can be compared to each other. For instance, what does everyone consider a grocery? Are some people including incidentals and home care products with their grocery bill? And what about where we shop? Are some folks living on mac & cheese and others only shopping at the nearest Whole Foods or organic market? Are people including restaurants in their grocery bill? How much eatind out do they do? Where do they live?

For me, groceries, cat food, personal care (shampoo, laundry soap, etc) are all lumped together and I spent $400 last month. That sent me to the web wondering how much is too much.

I live in the Chicago suburbs, and I shop almost exclusively at Whole Foods which brings the price up. I used to survive on $150/month, but I also used to think ramen noodles were a treat. I don’t think I’m crazy over the top, but I buy good quality meats and fish and fresh produce over anything processed and that does cost more.

Now I know that the cost of living has increased since 1995, but by how much. It would be nice to see what others who live in my demographic and have similar values are spending and then compare that to others nationally.

Kristin
cindy responded:
Posted: December 6th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
I live in the Portland, Or area and we have 3 adults and two teen agers in the house, also two dogs. I spend about 900.00 a month on groceries and household items per month. This is including only organic dairy and meat products. Nothing with nitrites or nitrates or added hormones. Also, only organic bread. I know that this increases our expenses, but is well worth it to us. We economize in other areas, like almost never eating out.
LloydLA responded:
Posted: December 18th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Two of us (my girlfriend and I) live in SoCal and spend about $1100 a month for food.

We rarely go out, rather we buy food at Trader Joes, Vons and Whole Foods. We buy regular stuff, but generally food that’s higher quality – for example avoid MSG, artifical colors etc, organic meet, veggies are not organic.

We eat lot of fresh fruits and veggies, in general we eat very healthy, no junk food, no trinkets.

I tend to be thrifty, but apparently if you want to eath fresh and high quality every day, it costs a bundle.
BDaddy responded:
Posted: December 26th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
I’m having trouble beleiving that these are monthly averages and not weekly…In my household, there are 3 of us. Approx. $650 per month on average. …oh, and if you try and tell my wife that we’re spending too much…then it’s as if I am calling her a “money hungary ho” and I quote….help me out here.
MRS> SWEET responded:
Posted: December 28th, 2007 at 1:26 am
Phoenix, AZ. Its just me and my husband and we spend about 400 a month. Including shampoo, deoderant, everthing that you can find in a grocery store goes into this budget. Sounds like I have a lot of cutting to do.
CRob responded:
Posted: December 29th, 2007 at 11:13 pm
Yikes….We’re in the ‘where is all the money going?” mode and after looking at it we’re spending about $700/month (groceries/cleaning/toiletries) for 2 adults, one 6yr old and one just turned 2 yrs old. i don’t coupon but buy lots of generics. I do buy organic milk and whole wheat pastas, which are hard to find in generic/store brands. Don’t know how people make it on 100/person/month. Would love to see some national averages on this.
Marie responded:
Posted: January 1st, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I’m relieved to see others who have posted here are spending what we are on food/cleaning supplies/toiletries. We are a family of 3 spending $1,100 per month!! We hardly eat out (we average about twice per month at $10.00 – $24.00) and we do buy lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. We eat organic as much as possible shopping at Trader Joe’s and Super Wal-Mart. I don’t know how to get the bill down and I want to. We eat up all of our produce we aren’t wasting it and we aren’t overweight Maybe food is more in New England?!
Tina responded:
Posted: January 3rd, 2008 at 10:45 am
I was browsing the internet on how Americans are coping with higher prices on everything. Energy, gasoline, food, etc. I had to reply to this post. We are a family of 3. My son is 17 so our family of 3 quite often turns into 6 or 8. We spend at least $1000 a month on food and household supplies. We always eat at home. We can’t afford to go out to restaurants. My husband and I make good money and some weeks we are still living pay-check to pay-check.

Here is a breakdown: $700 House payment, $200 Utilities, $100 Phone and internet (I’m not giving up the internet, $75 Cell Phone (need them for work), $220 Car Insurance (our son is 17…yikes), $450 Gasoline (It’s getting close to the house payment!), $75 Directv (We need some entertainment) and $1000 Grocery and household supplies. Total $2820 per month! Keep in mind this is not including doctor bills, vet bills (we have 2 dogs), prescription eye glasses or contacts, household maintenance and unexpected bills (the refridgerator breaks down). How is everyone else coping? It seemed so much easier 5 years ago. Thanks for reading,

Tina

$
Amalah responded:
Posted: January 3rd, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Greensboro, NC. We are a family of 4- husband, wife, son (7 years old) and daughter (11 years old). We spend $600 per month on groceries (food only) and an additional $120 per month on eating out. That’s a total of $720 per month for food. We are attempting to cut back to $500 per month for food & eating out combined. It has been a struggle accomplishing this.
Courtney responded:
Posted: January 13th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Hello all, We are a family of 4 – I have a 5 year old and an 18month old…(So diapers are included). I think it is important to include that I live in Nashville TN and shop mostly at Publix AND I use about 90% organic products, the Greenwise brand that is Publix generic organic brand has proved to be cost effective for those trying to cut the crap out food, still it runs $1 to $2 higher than leading non organic brands. We spend approx $500 a month and my husband feels like that is out of line. We do eat out once every 2 weeks or so and that is not included in the amount. I am a stay at home mom, so at least 2 sometimes 3 of us eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at home 7 days a week. When push comes to shove it is pricey to feed your children high quality food and snacks, My toddler drinks a gallon of organic milk every 5 days, the brand we buy only comes in 1/2 gallons they are usually 2 for $7 that alone is almost as expensive as formula, not to mention she has to have whole and the rest of us drink skim. So some relief will come as she gets older. The gas situation is almost as bad if not worse, my husband has a 40 mile one way commute to work, but I stay in town so I only fill up every 8 or 9 days and we spend $600 on gas. Hard to believe that when I got my license it was $.98 a gallon and being a broke teenager I thought that was crazy! HA!
Thanks to everyone that submitted, I was amazed at some of the other budgets. Thanks for reading
Christy responded:
Posted: January 14th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
My husband and I are from Indiana and we have been put on a very strict budget lately because his work is slow in the winter. We have a 14 year old son, who can eat as much if not more than his Dad, and a 12 year old daughter. We spend $30.00 a WEEK just on school lunches for the two kids. We have been spending an average of $75.00-$100.00 in grocery a week, and that includes all cleaners, dog food, toiletry’s, etc… So, on average we have been spending approximately $520.00 a month on groceries. And that is buying only what is on sale or cheap to fix. It has been so bad since gas prices have gone up. A friend of mine at work spends $200.00 a WEEK on groceries alone. So, I felt we were doing really good until I read your site.
Janelle responded:
Posted: January 14th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
We are a family of 6. All of my kids are between 9 and 4, so we are thankfully out of diapers. That helped our food budget a lot. We live in Western WA and wow its expensive here. I have a friend 3 hours south who spends about 1/2 of what we do on groceries a month with the same size family.

Our average bill is about $600 per month. That includes feeding the animals, eating out maybe 3x per month, and all paper/toiletry products. My husband packs his lunch, coffee and all drinks and we homeschool so we’re eating every meal at home.

On those 3-paycheck months which happen for us 3x a year, we stock up and do a large Costco run (like $500 or so). I also coupon, cook from scratch a lot and we do a lot of entertaining. I also host an organic meat club and I get free meat based on my monthly sales. I’d love to buy all organic, but there is no way I can afford it. I buy it when I can afford it, usually during the summer when overtime happens.

It seems like a lot but I know our area’s prices are way higher. Last May we visited relatives in Missouri and I got to go into Aldi’s for the first time. WOW! Now I see how some folks can feed a family of 6 on $50 bucks a week. Oh, that’s the other thing – we don’t have super cheap stores here. The cheap store is Safeway. Everthing else, like Walgreens, Walmart, etc. are a good 40 plus minutes away. Winco is an hour out, we don’t have CVS or Aldi’s or Woolworths. With gas pushing $3.50 a gallon, driving for those deals doesn’t make econoic sense.

Even so with my coupons I do well at Safeway. My friends with the same family size spend on average $100 more a week than us.

Janelle
Tricia responded:
Posted: January 14th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Christy – one thing about the info here is that some people include household items into their grocery bill. Personally, I do not and I even keep eating out separate. So there will be a lot of variation. I wouldn’t get bummed by your bill, because you can’t really compare apples to apples with the grocery budget of someone across the US. There is just too much variation.

Like Janelle mentioned. We are sort of in the same boat with no Aldi or CVS. Our place for cheaper food is Walmart. But you trade off sometimes. It took us a few times of getting sick from Walmart’s ground beef before we finally decided to pay up the money and buy it from the local grocery store instead. But Walmart is about 20 minutes away for us so it’s a monthly trip (if that).

Groceries are still a store spot for us, but I keep trying to get it down. We recently started doing something different and two weeks into it – so far it seems to be working.
Denise responded:
Posted: January 17th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
We are a family of 5 plus our little dog that I make meals for too. 3college aged teens, 2 live away at college part of the year. Our meats,eggs and cheese are purchased at a meat market (no hormones), and the rest is a mix of organic and regular foods at the local Giant Foods & Safeway Stores in Southern Maryland about an hour outside of DC. We also have fish, shrimp & crab at least once a week, and we do entertain some. We average about $900. That includes some bottled drinks and things from BJ’s too.
If I added in all the Starbucks, lunches, Panera bagels, dinner out once a week, drinks, board at college for 2, our monthly average would go way up…but I don’t want to ruin my evening so I’ll leave it at $900. I can tell you that our government is using fuzzy math when they tell us that inflation is only 3.4% on comsumer products. Adding tech equipment with food & gas to make inflation seem less is just smoke and mirrors.
Lila responded:
Posted: January 19th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
We are a family of 3-2 adults and 1-9 yr old boy in N. Texas. We spend about $560 a month on groceries. Seems like a lot. I am always trying to see how we can cut the cost and stretch the meals. Laundry soap and non food like napkins deoderant are included. We buy at the local Tom Thumb(Safeway. Only organic we buy is milk. Rarely buy steak usually ground beef and chicken which seems to be getting more expensive all the time. I’d love to be able to cut back to $400/mo but how?
Brenda responded:
Posted: January 20th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
We are a family of 4 with one dog. On average we spend about 200.00 a month for food and non-food. I use coupons, shop sales & loss leaders and use rebates to get all my non-food items such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste etc..for free.
moneychallenge responded:
Posted: January 21st, 2008 at 12:44 am
I am single and I’m starting a budget of $200/month for food and household supplies. This also includes eating out occasionally. I am impressed with all the families here who manage with just $200/month. Wow!
Amanda responded:
Posted: January 25th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
We are a family of 6. We are trying to feed 4 adults (my parents live with us also)and 2 children age 9 and 6. My husband insists we can do everying including groceries, toiletries and cleaning supplies on $400.00 a month! I keep trying to tell him he lives in a dream world but he’s not listening. He sits down and makes out a meal list for two weeks of dinners and thinks he’s finished. He forgets there are 4 of us home all day (the kids are homeschooled and grandpa is retired) that need to eat breakfast and lunch (everyday would be nice). He also takes his lunch to work. Help me come up with some way to explain to him that this is completely unreasonable. We live in West Texas where the prices have sky rocketed over the last year or so and I can’t believe milk and meat are the same if not more than a gallon of gas. Please help before I’m forced to take drastic measures like sending my husband to the store alone!! YIKES!!
dyanne responded:
Posted: January 25th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
We are a family of 6. My husband and I and 4 kids, boys 21, 15 and 15 and one girl 17. We live in Detroit area. My weekly bill is about $200 a week. This includes household items like cleaners, toilet paper, shampoo etc. It does not include eating out which my husband and I do once a week – average about $30 extra a week on that. I shop at Costco for certain items, Kroger for specials and staples and produce market for all produce. I also use the Discount store twice a month (Big Lots) for all the extras like pop tarts, chips, cookies and also for cereal which is much cheaper there. I’ve also been trying to cut back because the more gas goes up the less there is for other things. It’s hard with teen-agers because they are always grazing and eating at weird hours and they bring their equally hungry friends over. One kid told me today that he loves coming to our house because we have such great food. Apparently, his cupboard and fridge are pretty bare. You gotta love it.
Jade responded:
Posted: January 25th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
There are 5 of us. I spend about $250 monthly. I am currently doing the Once a Month Cooking thing. It is amazing. There are a lot of great books out there (at the library) that have made life much easier. I am going to try to make some of the other things we purchase like cleaning supplies. I have found some great sites that offer a wealth of information: thefamilyhomestead.com, newharvesthomestead.com, budget101.com and Yahoo has lots of groups, too. Best of blessings!
Mike responded:
Posted: January 26th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
We live in Cleveland, Ohio and have been keeping track of every dollar spent since the first of the year for our family of 2 adults & 2 boys (ages 6 & 10). For the month of January, we will have spent $1083 in groceries (which includes all houshold products, etc) and $350 in eating out. We do buy quality foods but I am surprised at how cheaply some of you live! I must admit, until we tracked every Dunkin Donuts coffee, etc. I would have guessed our budget to be about $300-$400 lower!
Lisa responded:
Posted: January 30th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
We are a family of 4 living in Irvine, (SoCal). I was just looking at our 2007 spending and almost fell over. I think we are spending about $600 per month on just groceries (Trader Joes and Costco mostly). We spend about another $250 per month eating out. Not to mention the fortune that I am spending at Target. Seriously… there has to be a way to cut back, but I really don’t feel like I am excessive anywhere.
Matt responded:
Posted: February 2nd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Mike, I agree with you completely. My wife and I have been using quicken religiously for a few years now. Its just the two of us and we spend around $900 a month on groceries. This includes CVS and other household items as well. In addition, we tend to eat out with friends a lot. Looking to figure out a way to stretch the budget a little. I would recomend to anyone posting on this to dig a little deeper. Not sure how any family of four can spend $400 a month of food.
Coquita responded:
Posted: February 2nd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I’m on a mission to cut spending and worked on our grocery budget last night. Two of us (boyfriend plus me) in the household here in northern Arizona. Spending at least $500 to $600 per month not including eating out once a week. Looks like I’m overspending at Costco for wine and other items. We entertain quite often but will have to cut back. Here’s to the potluck.
The recession has hit our business. This coming year will be leaner. Thank God we have no debt.

Anyone else feeling the pinch?
Patty responded:
Posted: February 4th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I live in Northern California- admittedly one of the most expensive area of the country- but I buy whatever is on sale- we eat only fresh stuff, not heat and eat and we are $1,400 per month for a family of 5. THis is not including going out. The only thing that I have found that does save money is to plan what we are eating for the week and shop accordingly- for a family with 2 working parents this is quite a challenge.
Abra Cutforth responded:
Posted: February 7th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Our family of four (mom, dad, six and four year old) lives in Atlanta GA area. We have been tracking our spending for over a year and consistently spend an easy $700 per month on groceries, household cleaners, kitchen supplies. I have a separate budget item for personal supplies (tampons, shampoo, OTC products).

We spend $250 per month on dining out. This adds up fast when you include the coffee stops, play dates at McDs on a rainy day and occassional lunch out for my husband. I think I’m pretty frugal — don’t gross out, but I reuse water bottles and even wash out ziploc bags for kids lunches.

I shop at Costco, Super Walmart, Publix (local grocery). I buy store brands and use coupons when I can. We eat well and are all healthy — lots of fresh fruits and veggies, preservative free food.

We rarely eat out, pack all of our lunches and bake most our own sweets/snacks. I don’t think we waste a alot of food either. We are regular wine/beer drinkers, but not excessive. I even pack snacks for myself to eat just before bringing the kids to McDonalds to play (I can’t deny them the happy meal when all the other kids have one, but I try to save a few bucks by skipping my snack).

I too am trying to cut my grocery budget … I don’t know how you do it on $400/month, but I’m going to give it a try.
Sharon responded:
Posted: February 11th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
We spent about $450 a month for a family of 4. That includes still buying diapers and baby items, cleaning supplies, vitamins and groceries for two active kids under age 4.
We don’t buy any prepared meals and we don’t go out to eat but we DO like to make at least one “date night” gourmet meal for ourselves after the kids go to bed…since we don’t spend much on entertainment for ourselves it’s our treat to ourselves to spend an extra $40-50 dollars a month on a beautiful dinner to make at home and a bottle of wine.
Kris responded:
Posted: February 14th, 2008 at 9:18 am
It’s the two of us and we spend $400 on average (WI). We’re vegetarians and buy some organics, although we don’t go overboard. We mostly cook from scratch, plan menus and shop around sales. I try to cook big batches and freeze sometimes.

The $400 includes alcohol (occasional beer for my husband, I don’t drink), coffee, paper products, household items and cleaners but doesn’t include pet food, which has a separate line item. It also doesn’t include eating out, which we do a few times a month.

I don’t know how people get by so cheaply, we’re already eating beans or pasta most nights. I’ve tried to improve, but really struggle to come in under $400. I’m to the point where I’m done with the guilt over it (I’ve been working on our grocery budget for months and months). We eat well and try to be thrifty, so I guess $400 (give or take a bit) is just what we spend.
Rachel responded:
Posted: February 15th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I noticed most of the posts were for smaller families. In my house it’s me, husband, and four children (ages 7,5,3,1) and I usually have at least one extra child for the majority of meals. Right now we are budgeting $250.00 per month. This is VERY tight. But it is possible. I think most important is to shop on sale and keep to a list. I do one large shopping trip at the beginning of the month and any more trips I make are emergency only. This forces me to plan ahead.
Tom responded:
Posted: February 18th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
We are a family of four in Durango, CO, with two adults and two kids ages 4 and 7. We budget faithfully through Microsoft Money, and average $1,200 per month for food. This does not include alcohol and personal care items. We are vegetarians and buys LOTS of fresh produce, which can be very expensive. Plus we like the froo-froo stuff (is that how you spell froo-froo?) like sun-dried tomatoes, organic goat cheese, imported blueberries, etc., and my wife loves to cook four-star meals. We’re spoiled, I guess, but prefer to eat well than drive new cars. Could we make it on $250-$400 a month? I guess, but hey, life is short. Long live the Epicureans!
KATINA responded:
Posted: February 24th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
WOW! If I even attempted to cut our $1200 a month budget my family would move me out! Came home from the grocery yesterday and before I even got out of the car my kids had both packs of blueberries gone! (That’s $5.00) Family of 4 kids are 7 and 9.. We eat a ton of fresh fruits and veggies—-Meats- Pastas- and don’t eat out very often-maybe once a month. We’re also very physically active so maybe we eat more… I have menues-I take a shopping list. We live in Eastern Co and Walmart is further away-not to mention no one likes their veggies or fruits-
I’m very impressed with the $200 a month ers.. I think my goal is to cut down $200 a month. I’ll work on it.
Marie G responded:
Posted: March 1st, 2008 at 11:17 pm
We are a family of three, two adults and one college-age son living at home in New England (Southern New Hampshire to be exact). We also have two dogs and three cats. Our grocery bill includes non-food items, such as paper and cleaning products, as well as pet food and some toiletries. On average, we spend between $600-650/month on groceries. We eat out occasionally, but I track that amount separately. I use coupons and shop sale circulars or stock up at Sam’s Club, etc. whenever possible.
Kim responded:
Posted: March 2nd, 2008 at 12:46 am
We are a family of four (two adults and two children ages 7 and 1). We spend about 1,100 a month on groceries right now. We live in a very expensive area (the S.F. Bay Area) and food prices have gone up. I buy organic fruits and vergetables and meats and stay away from processed foods and frozen foods. This is an extravagant way to eat I realize, but I would rather give up other things before feeding my kids junk. I shop at Whole foods and Luckys. I would LOVE to spend less, but I’m not sure I can sacrifice the quality.
Kari responded:
Posted: March 5th, 2008 at 12:11 am
We live in No. Cal also. It is me, my husband, our teenage son, a cat and a 170 lb great dane and we spend on average $1000 per month. That includes lots of fresh fruit and veges as well as 80 pounds of dog food every 4 weeks! We don’t buy sodas or other junk food, and eat out maybe a couple times a month. I have no idea how people do it for less. My husband I both work, sometimes long hours, so we try and plan meals ahead of time and have them ready in the freezer. I do a lot of shopping at Super Wal-Mart and Costco, however, it still adds up. I have gotten it down to $800 occasionally, but that is pretty rare! I’m envious of those who can do it for less!
Stace responded:
Posted: March 5th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Thought I’d throw in my 2 cents: besides me in our house – it’s my boyfriend, our 2 year old boxer and our 10 year old house rabbit. Between all four of us, we are trying very hard to make it on $300 a month in Nor. Cal. Boyfriend works at Whole Foods so the discount is great, but it’s still pricey. Our bunny also eats only organic salad because of a health concern and our boxer eats Whole Foods brand kibble and soft. We are struggling to force the $300 a month. We aren’t including toiletries, but are including the occasional 6 to 12 pack of beer. The money crunch every one faces sucks.
-stace
Jerry responded:
Posted: March 8th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
For me and my child it is about $60 per week.
TS responded:
Posted: March 9th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Wow there sure is a great deal of variation. I think my family of 4 (two adults and 2 kids under 4) seem to be on the high side of things which is what I expected. We spend about $1000/month on groceries (food only) and that does not include dining out, household cleaners, personal care and wine/beer which I track in Money seperately. We do live in a very expensive area of the country (Southern MD, DC Suburb) and Whole Foods is a common destination-the produce there is noticeably better than any where else. We do purchase very little “heat and eat” etc preferring lots of fresh products (meats, veggies etc.) which we cook daily. We do enjoy higher quality foods and some epicurean tendencies but I am looking for some sort of reasonable goal to work toward.
CXP responded:
Posted: March 10th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
We are a family of 3 in central New England (3 cats too). We average $740 per month. That includes groceries & household items too. We have really been trying to cut down on that amount, but that seems to be the lowest we are able to go. I don’t know how others do it with $400-500, but I wish we could! We go to Wal-Mart, Market Basket, Hannaford, BJ’s & Stop & Shop to try to find the lowest prices. I guess we’ll just have to keep trying!
BI responded:
Posted: March 14th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Fascinating.

I thought I was doing really great – over the last year it’s ranged from $450 to $600 a month for our family of 5. The $450 figures was last month and I was really proud. That seems more like “average” than “great”, though, reading these responses. We’re in the southeast, that includes anything you might buy at a grocery store, farmer’s market, drug store, or big-box store, as well as eating out.

$250 a month…. I’m still scratching my head over that.
Candace responded:
Posted: March 22nd, 2008 at 6:25 pm
We are a family of 6 with an 11, 6,4, and 1 year old I was feeling bad about spending $400 a month, but after reading these posts I don’t feel so bad. Shop mostly at Wal-Mart and WinCo and also Costco. $400 includes diapers and all toiletries also.
Lynda responded:
Posted: March 22nd, 2008 at 10:32 pm
We spend about 500 monthly for a family of 5 consisting of 2 adults and 3 kids ages 18, 17, 14 plus a dog and cat. Shopping mostly at Sam’s club or Costco. I usually buy fresh fruits/veggies at the local farmer’s market. I’m always looking to find ways to reduce, reduce, reduce. Right now we are spending a much larger amount of money for MILK! We average 4.50 per gallon in New Mexico. We usually go through 4 gallons per week.
Jeff Olson responded:
Posted: March 31st, 2008 at 2:24 pm
We live in the Minneapolis, MN area. We are a family of four (myself, my wife, and two kids (4 & 2). We track our spending down to the penny in Quicken. Last year we spent the following (for the whole year):

Eating out: $3180 ($265/month)
Groceries: $3562 ($297/month)

Obviously we could definitely cut down on our eating out…it’s one of our weak areas. Still, our overall food bill was still under $600/month. My wife does most of the grocery shopping so I have to credit her for the good job at buying in bulk and doing a lot of freezer cooking. We also eat a lot of leftovers.

It will be interesting (scary?) to see how much these numbers go up this year.

Also, I’m sure the numbers would be a lot higher if the kids were 10 years older.
shell responded:
Posted: April 4th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Living in Winston Salem,NC, I feel my grocery bill which amounts to $600 per month is outrageous compared to some who spend $200 -400 per month.Having 2 children (14 and 11 yrs)and 2 adults,I hate to cut on our eating habits.We rarely eat out,not much snacks at home and also occassional sodas.We eat a lot of vegetables and fruits and I love to experiment with different cuisine.
Griffin responded:
Posted: April 14th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
We (husband and I) live in New Haven County CT and buy largely organic meat and fresh produce. Our $1000 mo bill includes some supplements, toiletries, household cleaners, specialty teas, etc. We work out a lot and I bring bottled water to work. We pack our lunches and eat bfast at home, and do not eat junk food (soda, potato chips,desserts) so this is for three meals/day. This bill seems pretty dang high, I agree, but it is honestly what our expenses are year to date based on our computer program. Hopefully this honesty will be helpful. Now if I can get my dog to stop eating so much….
CC responded:
Posted: April 16th, 2008 at 8:40 am
After reading several of the postings, I am amazed that families of 4 and 5 have MONTHLY grocery bills of $250-$500! How can a family eat healthy and not spend a small fortune (especially when milk is $4.00 a gallon)?! We are a famiy of 5 (3 children 14,9,7)living the Atlanta area. We have been tracking our spending in Quicken for several years. We spent last year on average $1100 per month at the various grocery stores, plus an average of $330 per month on dining out. Granted, our montly grocery bill includes everything that one can get at the grocery store, including toiletries, household cleaners, paper products, pet food (1 big dog & 2 cats)and beer & wine. I work part-time and occasionally buy convenience foods, but I buy mostly fresh produce and quality meats and fresh cold-cuts from the deli counter. I could probably shave about $100 a month from the grocery bill by tightening up a bit. I would love some suggestions!
David responded:
Posted: April 23rd, 2008 at 5:31 am
I just used the Food Stamp eligibility calculator to see how much I would get in Food Stamps if my family of 4 had zero earnings and zero assets. The result is just over 508.00/month. I know a lot about Food Stamps and I can tell you they are based on a minimal subsistence food basket and most people who receive them find it nearly impossible to make them cover their actual food bill. Anyone who is paying under 500/mo for a family of four is either hungry, fibbing, or a real hero. For people who live in urban or other high-cost areas or feel strongly about organic/natural, locally grown, or fair labor food/sources, twice the Food Stamp allotment would not be spend thrift (IMHO).
Mike responded:
Posted: April 25th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Maybe living on Long Island (New York)is more expensive….but I spend about 1100 per month for myself, my wife and two young girls. We rarely eat out and we never buy lunch. My wife and I do eat many small healthy meals throughout the day. This could be why it costs so much. We eat alot of grilled chicken and ground turkey. I also buy alot of protein powders and bars. I couldnt imagine keping the food bill under this amount. All this on two teachers salaries!!!!
Pam responded:
Posted: April 28th, 2008 at 8:58 am
We live on long island(2 adults, 2 teenagers). I probably spend in the ballpark of $800 -$1000/month on groceries, household cleaners and paper products. We don’t buy red meat and don’t always buy cold cuts. Soda and chips are a rarity. Am trying to get the bill down but am not having much luck.
deb responded:
Posted: May 3rd, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I agree with Kristen–it makes a huge difference to shop at walmart and whole foods—I spend about 1000 per month for a family of 3 almost 4—we eat only organic/humanely raised meats and my hubby loves meat—we eat a freash veggies and fruits and try to avoid preservatives, etc.—this is significantly more expensive than walmart, sam’s, costco, etc. also we live right outside of DC—I have lived in new york and southern virginia and this is the most expensive area I have lived in for food costs—it is ridiculous–food doesn’t even cost the same from week to week—I bought potatoes at whole foods for .99 a pound yesterday and 2 weeks ago they were $3.00 a pound—it is hard to figure things out and I do try to buy the cheapset of the items that I buy —but often organic and whole grain etc.
Suzanne responded:
Posted: May 5th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Hi we live in Pennsylvania, a family of four and two cats and some tropical fish. Our children are 6 and 8 years old. I do the bulk of my shopping at Walmart super center and shop there for everything I need to buy which includes, food, pet supplies, cleaning items, and any insidentals and necessities, ect., I spend $600-$650 a month. Occasionally, I find specials on meat at better grocery stores that are a few days from the end date and offer $2 off the regular price- I’ll stock up on some or I find that meat is cheaper in bulk and split it up and freeze it. That is when the bill would be $650 a month. I cut every coupon I can use and get coupons off the internet and from friends, If there is a cheaper way I have not found it.
I also buy all of our clothes off the clearance rack and off season to save money. My Husband still complains that I spend too much money. Short of eating brands of food that I never heard of I really don’t see how I can cut corners anymore.

My In-laws, just the two of them, spend $600 a month at a regular Weis grocery store.
We seldom go out to eat-less than 5 times a year. We don’t go on vacations, rent movies or go to the movie theater.
Because I choose to be available for my kids and work part time from home as an Independent Contractor doing customer service work, I have to pay for my own medical insurance for myself and my kids since my Husband’s doesn’t offer dependent coverage and that is costing us $493. a month.
Now that the gas and heating oil prices are going up so much, everything is going to cost more and everyone will be effected by this. I don’t see things getting any better any time soon.
Melissa responded:
Posted: May 12th, 2008 at 7:34 am
We spend at least 600.00 a month on groceries, and we are a family of 5. Us and our 3 kids. Ages are 5,3,and almost 2.
Karen responded:
Posted: May 19th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
We have been trying to cut back on our grocery bill by using coupons, not purchasing organic foods, reducing our meat consumption to 3oz per person, and not using paper products (napkins and paper towels). We also don’t by sodas. For dessert we usually have 1 to 2 scoops of ice cream per person a couple of times a week. We don’t snack at all during the day. However, my grocery bill is still $720 per month. This includes household cleaners (which I have recently switched to vinegar).
Rickie responded:
Posted: May 24th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
We spend about $800-900 a month for the 2 of us, in San Francisco Bay Area including eating out once a week (~$30 each time). We get most of our food from CSAs (signed on 3 CSAs, two for veggie and one for fruit). We eat only organic and seafood, no meat. But since we get most of our calories from veggie and fruit, we need to eat tons of veggie, hence comes the 2 CSAs instead of one. Now we only shop at Trader Joe’s and local fish mongers for supplementing our food.

We don’t buy any soda, junk food or snacks, and cook everything from the basic raw materials. In fact, that is the precisely the reason for our expensive bill. If I make my own spaghetti sauce from tomatoes, basil, onion, mushroom etc. instead of buying a pre-packaged sauce, the cost is in fact at least 2x higher. But that is a food choice we made.

Before we signed on with CSAs, our Whole Food grocery bill was like $1000 a month. I would highly recommend CSAs to anyone out there who want to eat organic at a reasonable price.
Rickie responded:
Posted: May 24th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Another thing I notice is, veggie eaters have generally a larger grocery bill. For example, even for grass-fed beef, a quarter pound is plenty to fill one’s stomach for a meal, so at $6-10 a pound lower-grade grass-fed beef today, you need $1.5-2.0 for a meal.

Not the case for vegetarians.I can go through a pound of different veggie and still feel hungry soon after the meal. To get the same calorie as a quarter pound beef, I need to stuff my face with veggie of several times the volume.
Elizabeth responded:
Posted: June 16th, 2008 at 7:15 am
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Dan responded:
Posted: June 26th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Thanks for the info. We’re a family of 5 living in Connecticut (kids 9, 4 and 2). I just totaled our expense for June: $950 to Whole Foods $350 to other grocery stores for conventional items $200 for beer and wine. My wife is not good at math and has no idea what she spends monthly, including groceries. She is trying to convince me that $1500/mo is as low as she can go. Personally, I’d like to see an extra $400 – $500/mo go towards college savings.
Jennie responded:
Posted: June 28th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
We are a family of two, a dog, and a cat. Our grocery spending is WAY high. We spend, on average, more than $400 a month for groceries. This is on average – some months it has gone as high as $600 if we are having people over. This is greatly due to the fact that I attempt to eat low fat, low calorie, vegetarian meals and my husband is not satisfied unless his meals are mostly meat based. Our grocery spending is out of control.
Andi responded:
Posted: July 11th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Holy Cow!!! My husband & I spend about $670, on groceries & $290, dining out per month! I knew that our bill was high, but it seems insane in comparision to the others here! The grocery includes household items & dog food.
Amy responded:
Posted: July 18th, 2008 at 8:51 am
We spend about $1000 a month on groceries for a family of 5 with 2 dogs. Kids are ages 8-13 and pack lunches everyday. We also feed many of the neighborhood kids who end up at our house and we like to have other families over for dinner as well. We don’t drink any alcohol, so that brings the bill down somewhat, and we don’t eat a ton of meat, but we do like a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables. I buy sales, and in bulk, but with both of us working full time, it’s hard to find the time to prepare snacks and other things from scratch. Our consumption of pre-packaged foods has definitely gone up over the years. Our grocery budget includes all food, toiletries, cleaning supplies and any other household items I get at the grocery store or Costco.
jeff younger responded:
Posted: July 25th, 2008 at 10:54 am
We spend for the two of us, a working couple, $330.00 a month combined groceries, eating out and including detergents. Broken down it has always been under $6.00 each a day. We splurg on seafood but overall limited in eating meats. Some convenience packaged foods for lunch, bought in quanity with a good sale. day. We splurg on seafood but overall limited in eating meats. Some convenience packaged foods for lunch, bought in quanity with a good sale.
Debra from Idaho responded:
Posted: July 29th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
This is just the site I was seeking when I typed in “What is the monthly average grocery bill for a family of five?”!! You may think I’m crazy, but I have kept and tracked receipts every month for my entire married life…we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in December of 2007. I do not count eating out, dog food, or paper/cleaning supplies. I count anything people can ingest (well, not pharmaceuticals…). I have just finished calculating the past few months and was ASTOUNDED at the increase in my grocery spending – Yikes! The past few months I have spent over $500, bringing my average for 2008 to $386 so far. Last year’s average was $262, so this is a huge increase for us. We have three children, aged 15, 11, and 5. We rarely eat out…maybe once each month with pizza up to twice each month on top of that. My older two kids eat school lunch when school is in session. I clip coupons and religiously read the grocery ads each week, shopping and planning meals based upon what’s on sale. I work full time, so it takes a lot of my free time to save money. I am interested in what other people do to save. My husband was recently told to cut down on carbs to lower his blood sugar, so I think I am spending more in part because I am relying less on “filler” foods…rice, pasta, potatoes and bread. Responses and/or questions are welcome!
Debra from Idaho responded:
Posted: July 29th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I guess I should probably tell you that I can still get a gallon of milk here for $2.70 (at just one store in town!!) and we go through at least 5 gallons each week. I shop at the discount bread store and can get whole grain loaves for $1.00 (I freeze a lot). I rarely will buy any fruit or vegetable for more than .99 per pound. I buy all my cheese products at Costco and am just starting to have to pay over $2.50 per pound. I try to buy meat that costs less than $2.00 per pound.
Erika responded:
Posted: July 30th, 2008 at 1:26 am
Also I think people should mention if they have boys or girls because boys and men tend to eat a lot more than girls do. For instance I can survive on a peanut butter sandwich and a cookie for lunch, maybe a granola bar too, … but my huband needs three sandwiches, a yogurt, two pieces of fruit, six hardboiled eggs, a salad, two sodas, a protein shake…. that’s just for one lunch! Not to mention he often eats two dinners in the evening and then has a couple bowls of cereal for a snack before bed.
Bunki's Girl responded:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 4:52 pm
To save money on groceries, we buy all of our veggies and fruits at the vegetable market, not the grocery store. The vegetable market also sells meat. They run a sale once a month for boneless skinless chicken breasts for $1.59/lb. We buy other things that we eat regularly in bulk at Costco. When we’re careful, we can eat quite well for roughly $50 – $60 a week. Though I will add that we have noticed a marked increase in all of the things that we buy, save for milk and coffee cream.
Erika responded:
Posted: August 1st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Good idea Bunki’s Girl. People should be resourceful and get their food wherever it is the most economical. I regularly shop the farmer’s markets as well. In Brooklyn we had “fruit stands” that we would buy all our produce from- the farmer’s markets here in LA are actually MORE expensive than the grocery on most items though.

That is a good deal on chicken breasts. We go to Sams/ Costco and get the flash frozen boneless, skinless breasts in 5 or ten pound bags. You just pull out one or two breasts for your meal, and the rest keeps in the freezer. We waste very little food. Leftovers are a four- letter word in my family and are avoided at all costs. I do however, pre-prepare the meals for a week and individually portion them out for our suppers so all we have to do is heat them up.
Jonny responded:
Posted: August 2nd, 2008 at 8:05 am
My family consist of Me, wife, 13yr girl, 11yr girl, 10yr boy, and 7yr boy. in northwest ohio we spend on average about 850/month for just about anything you can get at the grocery store. Then add another 200 – 300 for eating out. We are currently looking to shave about a 100 or so off the grocery and another 100 off the eating out but by the looks of things it sounds like we are right on track. that sucks!!!
Erika responded:
Posted: August 3rd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Hi Jonny nice to hear from an Ohio person.

My sister and parents live in the Columbus OH area. I lived there too but haven’t lived there since college. Now I live in Los Angeles but I visit Ohio often.

I have noticed that Giant Eagle is super expensive but for some reason my mom insists on shopping there. Big Bear, Kroger’s etc charge a lot for home care products such as shampoo, toothpaste, etc. Try the drugstores or 99c only for those items. Often the brands are exactly the same. I also check out the Big Lots stores for cereal, coffee and crackers.
BI responded:
Posted: August 3rd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Down to 350.00 a month for five, but it’s hard work:

I’ve commented before, but now we’ve gotten our bill down to about half what it used to be. At one time it was around 600-700/mo (family of five in the southeast, children aged 8,6,2, one dog.) When I commented before I’d gotten it down to 450 a month. Now we’re at 350, and I think that may be as low as we’ll go. (that’s groceries and toiletries and other household supplies, but not eating out, which we don’t do much thanks to a toddler making that somewhat unpleasant) That amount is loaded onto a debit card automatically, so when it’s gone, we know we’ve hit the end of our budget.

I have to say that it’s hard. And I feel that I spend half my time in the kitchen and the other half researching deals and planning my shopping trips. I’m a stay at home mom and I could not do this if I weren’t. But there is a wealth of information out there, mostly blogs, that show how to get your food bill down, many stick to whole, simple food. I feel like I’ve found a good balance between saving money and eating healthfully. It just takes time and energy (that I wouldn’t have if I were also working a full time job) to figure it out and implement it and keep it going. (I realize that I’m also lucky to live in an area that has a growing season of 10 months or so, with cheap produce much of the year.)

I think if I were working full time, I’d feel fine with a budget of $600 a month. With a larger family and/or older children, even more.
david responded:
Posted: August 8th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Our budget per week is $130 (or say 520/month). We are me, my wife, 3yr old and 1 year old. That budget number is met only if we really watch what we spend and does not include diapers, kitty litter etc… We tend to “shop the outside of the store” which means buy only from the produce, meat/dairy, bread etc… We try to avoid the isles except for pasta, PB and J, cheerios, frozen stuff. We find the isles hold the most unhealthy stuff (see above). I really dont know how else to cut the budget amount more except for clipping coupons. We dont get the paper anymore so the coupon thing is not really an option. We could buy cheaper OJ, but we really like the Simply Orange brand. We could buy cheaper bread but some of the lesser brands contain lots of sugar. So I guess we like what we like and are stuck with paying for it. We have cut out waste where we used to buy and toss uneaten stuff. That saved us a ton of money. Good luck all.
marjie responded:
Posted: August 23rd, 2008 at 10:49 pm
There are 2 of us, we spend $150 to $175 a week. No premade food, nothing packaged, no pasta, very little red meat. Most of my money is spent on fresh fruit and fish. I have to lower this food bill and can’t figure out how. I shop at 2 stores, always looking for the best buys and always shop with meal plans and a list. I would love to figure out where I am going wrong. I won’t sacrifice quality and will continue to buy unprocessed foods and organic and the best fish I can afford. $600 a month for 2 is just way to much I think.
Lori responded:
Posted: August 29th, 2008 at 9:22 am
New here, any one with kids 10 and up is going to have to start spending $$$ on food – my 11 yr old is $$$ now and my 8 year old is gearing up. From what I understand growing teens/college kids out eat their parents. We averge about 1,000/mo for a family of 5 (boys 11, 8, 6)for groceries, cleaners, paper products- 1000 sheet tp, toiletries (which are very basic in our house toothpaste, kids dental rinse, ($1) shampoo, soap, sunscreen). We try to eat what is on sale. I shop the perimeter mostly, stock up on cereal(non sugary) when on sale w/ coupons, get bulk items and almonds at BJ’s . We eat chicken, hamburger, pasta, at least 2 meatless meals/wk and occasional fish and steak and lots of fresh produce and milk. I buy a combo of organic and conventional produce. We buy at least 4 gal of milk/week. I don’t coupon except cereal(even then there a very few for the non sugar cereals) because most of the coupons are for processed foods we don’t use. Granted I could play the coupon game for toiletries and team snacks and get things free like some do w/ extremely low bills but time is $$$ too. Probably spend $20/week on “snacks and fun food, soda” but it keeps DH happy. I shop mostly at Superfresh (sale items primarily), Giant, and Wegmans, try to purchase produce at the farmers market or local orchard. We eat out about 3x/mo for a total of about $200/mo. Kids school lunches $80/mo (but I can’t make them cheaper at home), husband’s lunches $200/mo. So we total $1480/mo for a family of 5. Sure, I can cut back all the eating out and save about $250 (not the total ’cause I’ have to buy more food)and probably shave another $200/mo by being much more savvy but I’m still going to be around $1000/mo. To eat a healthy diet, it’s going to cost about $150-200/person/month with no added frills. PS. I was in the bay area, ca recently and food seems about 10-20% higher there than here, except cocsto was about 10% less than here.
Andrea responded:
Posted: September 16th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I thought that we only spent $400 dollars a month for a family of three, however I believe it is more. If you count lunches for all three of us and going out it is more than that. My daughter is 16. Her school lunch is $50 a month. We go out about once a month as a family that is another $50.00 Then sometimes you get tired of eating the same thing so you go out for lunch. That is another 10 x 4 if you go once a week. So it adds up quick. Then what about household items? Detergent, cat food, cleaning supplies? It is all out of the same fund.
Andrea responded:
Posted: September 16th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
PS – we eat organic, no dairy, mostly rice, cereal is the only ready made food and we live in Portland OR. I wanted to see if we spend to much or too little. I shop at to many stores to get deals, NEW SEASONS for meat and produce, Winco for canned items and soymilk, ….
William responded:
Posted: September 20th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
In Memphis, my family of 3 (myself, wife, daughter under 10yrs.) spend between $550-$625 a month on groceries. This includes all toiletries for the family including one dog. We shop at Wal-Mart and Kroger. We don’t dine out much (2-3 time a month, around $30 each time) and bring lunch to work and eat at home for dinners most nights. We buy a mixture of generics and name brand groceries and use coupons occasionally (wish we had it together to use them more). I think this is too much, but someone else insists this is normal?
Jill responded:
Posted: September 26th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Last month my family of four spent 1,888 on groceries. We rarely eat out, but I had never budgeted before and am starting now. That is what I am starting with. Argghh.
mary beth responded:
Posted: September 26th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
I am in PA and have several styles of grocery stores. Our county is Luzerne. Prices are slightly higer in the southern counties. Larger cities have larger prices and high ticket items available. My average is $400 to $450 a month with all purchases available at a grocery store counting and also items as our bulk stores including Sams Club. I use coupons and watch for sales with bulk meats that I often cut and trim myself. We do not eat dull menus stuffed with high carbohydrates and have low sodium diets with one person of 3 adults having to eat soft food. Diet items can run higher price and are included. I often make my own mixes with spices and rice to avoid MSG and also make my own broth. Canned soups without MSG are expensive. I freeze food for future use. I bake and occasionally scratch from easy recipes. I use cake mix if in a hurry for cookie mix and it makes larger amount. I use sweetners most of time in scratch recipes. These add to my budget. Spices are expensive so I try to blend my own and avoid adding salt, a ingredient that I find adds weight and volume in many expensive blends. I am on a fixed income and have to finish pay for educations on a budget. With higher prices and extreme medical expenses, I have found many ways to save out of desperation.
Sarah responded:
Posted: October 9th, 2008 at 9:02 am
While it has been scary to watch food prices soaring, we are grateful to live in food heaven: Western New England. I have twin preschoolers and wouldn’t dream of feeding them (or my husband and I) anything that wasn’t organic, so while we are careful, even though we qualify as “low income” we don’t scrimp on our food bill. We also try to buy as much locally grown and processed food as possible, in order to reduce the amount of diesel exhaust in the world. We do make some choices that are less responsible, like buying coffee, organic bananas (for our kids) and Alaskan salmon.

We have a summer CSA that provides us with fruits and vegetables from June 1 through Nov. 1 and a winter CSA that takes us on into January. These organic veggies come in at around $1/lb. I drive to the farm to buy organic raw milk ($6-7 gallon) and o.r. cream ($22/gallon) for making butter and buttermilk. I probably make about half of the yogurt we eat, too. We pay between $4 and $5.50/dozen for truly free-range (the chickens get to eat insects and worms) organic eggs. Local grass-fed lamb and beef cost $8 to $10/lb., and our organic, heritage-breed turkeys will cost about $4/lb. this year. Sourdough spelt bread from our favorite local bakery is $5.50/loaf, but I also make 100% rye ($.99/lb. for the flour) sourdough bread.

We don’t buy frozen or prepared food, with the exception of rye crackers, organic beef hot dogs and spelt pretzels, so there is a lot of (my) labor involved, but we think eating healthily and socially responsibly is critical. We don’t have cable TV or take trips to Disney World, we keep our daytime thermostat on 57 degrees in the winter (lower at night) and our cars are cheap and middle-aged. My husband washes dishes at the local natural foods co-op on Sunday afternoons so that we can get a 15% discount there. In the end, we probably spend about $1,200/month on food, including the occasional meal in a restaurant, and are happy to do so. Good food is worth it.
Helj responded:
Posted: October 9th, 2008 at 11:25 am
We live in Fairfield County, CT (about 60 miles north of New York City) and we’re spending about $1200 a month right now on groceries and misc. home supplies (toiletries, paper towels, wine, detergent, etc). We are a family of 5 (3 children between age 8 and age 2) with one dog.

I can’t imagine how any family could make it work on $300 a month, considering one trip to the grocery store to fill a carriage can run you about $250 around here.

In regards to eating cheap versus whole foods, we’re split about 50/50. We do some shopping at Costco for bulk, some at Trader Joe’s, some at Stew Leonards (dairy, meats) and some at Stop & Shop.

We’re guilty of buying name brands for about 75% of our food items and we are trying to work on cutting down the budget a bit. I’m more convinced than ever now, after reading this thread, that prices are very regional. Income (and costs) around here are super high, similar to San Francisco, Boston, NYC, etc.
Sarah responded:
Posted: October 9th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
One thing we should all keep in mind as we read through this thread is that folks posting earlier than six months ago in all likelihood have bigger grocery bills now than when they wrote those posts. I didn’t see much about $300/month grocery bills for families that was written during the last half year, Helj, so I hope you’re not giving yourself a hard time (especially given where you live!).

I was intrigued by David’s April 23rd (2008) comment about Food Stamps. He’s right about them being calculated to support a “minimal subsistence food basket.” So with the people who regulate Food Stamps counting on $508/month for a family of four to eat rather poorly (at least in the more costly parts of the country), I agree with David that families can feel they are spending a reasonable amount even if they double that number… But I realize that not everyone wants to make food a priority in his or her budget. Whereas, while I don’t believe in wasting money on food, I look *everywhere* else in my budget first before cutting resources allocated for eating well.
Nancy responded:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
We live in Toronto (Canada), we are a family of four (2 teenage boys) and spend 1200-1500 on food and toiletries per month. We spend about 100-200 per month dining out or ordering in. We eat well but in all honesty we do waste food. I find I am throwing out food that has spoiled in the fridge or I defrost some meat and then don’t use it!! I could do better on the grocery bill. Some things in Canada are cheaper than in the U.S. Cereal and meat are cheaper here but bread, fruit, dairy seems to be less in the U.S.?? I don’t think people who are eating for 400/month are the norm. What the heck are you people eating anyway?
Beth responded:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Cool! I have been looking for a site like this. We are a family of 6: 2 adults and 4 kids. I get $220 a week for food, toiletries and cleaning supplies. When the money is gone, I have to wait until the next week. I cook a lot and we rarely eat out. I even make our pizza for pizza night.
Sharon responded:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
The two of us live in Fort Collins, Colorado. After checking out this site, I decided to ad up our monthly food expenses, something I have never done. For groceries we spent $530. Toiletries were extra. We must spend about that every month since I’m doing nothing different.
Our dining out bill for this month was $270., a bit more than usual for a month I believe because of a couple celebrations.
I don’t feel like we are extravagant spenders. We very rarely throw food away. We do have some diet restrictions.
Beth responded:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I realize that I left some things out. We live in suburban Atlanta. I shop 80% at Kroger, 10% at Super Walmart and I get my milk and non-hydrogenated margarine at Whole Foods. Did you know that if you buy a case of milk, (4 gallons), at WH they give you a discount of %20? That comes to about $2.70 a gallon. We eat fruits and veggies at all three meals, but buy only in season stuff. What else? I bake A LOT. Especially breakfast and dessert items. And I never shop without a list of all of my weekly meals. There are some really great books out there on saving money at the grocery store.
Helj responded:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I’m starting to realize that a huge part of this is cost of living regionally. If you live in an area where the average salary is 35K it can be a lot different than if you live in an area where the median salary is closer to 80K, since typically grocery prices (especially for whole and/or organic foods) are adjusted according to the cost of living in the area.

Median income in my town is 90K. Median income in Atlanta, GA is 42K, and median income in Darien (CT) is a whopping 170K.

Here is a link to get the median in your town:

http://realestate.yahoo.com/Connecticut/Darien/neighborhoods;_ylt=Ar22lqh8lyuwEEdcKkBk36OkF7kF

So, for a better gauge on what we are spending each month, take the median income of your town and come up with a percentage of monthly median salary. So in my town, monthly median would be 90K / 12 = 7500. Therefore, the $1300 a month we spend is 17% of our monthly median.

Make sense?
Kristine responded:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Another good way to understand the relative cost of food in your area is the cost of living index. This site has a lot of information, you can compare two cities or just pull up your city and scroll (way) down to the cost of living index information.

Where I live the cost of food is rated at 100 (100 representing the US average).

http://www.bestplaces.net/
Sharon responded:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Helg, This is perfect! I am sure everyone thanks you. I knew the cost of living would make a difference but did not think to do this. This makes my grocery and dining out expense at 16% per month… Not bad!
Helj responded:
Posted: October 15th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Kristine, nice link. I ran my town through and we’re around 130 on the grocery cost of living side (166 on the overall cost of living), which puts us about equal to New York City. Surprisingly, I compared my town to San Francisco, Boston and Hollywood, and per this site groceries are much cheaper in all of them (around 110). Yikes … sounds like I live in one of the most horrific places in the US when it comes to food prices. As I mentioned above though, usually this correlates with income levels.
rita responded:
Posted: October 15th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I sat down today and totaled up our family’s food bill for the month. We are a family of 6 – 2adults/4 children ages 5, 10, 12, 15. The amount was $980.00. I try to use coupons and buy sale items. Not sure how this compares to other families of 6. I do a couple of big shops during the month but then find myself running out every couple of days for a handful of items and I think this is where I could cut down with more organization. We eat pretty healthy but I feel like I am always out of “snacks” Thinking of stocking up more at Costco for bulk items and frequently used products. Have enjoyed reading the threads today.
pablo responded:
Posted: October 20th, 2008 at 1:29 am
My company’s moving me and my family to Annapolis,MD for 4 months this november. I’ve never shopped for groceries in the US, and have no idea how much we’ll spend a month. I was hoping we’d do better than the $500 a month we do here at home, but by what I’m reading, I see we’re headed for a tough 4 months. My family’s me, my wife and 4 kids, ages 8-2.
Anna responded:
Posted: October 22nd, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I have a family of 3 and we used to go out 5x a week to eat. Our overall food cost per month was $1600 a month. It was RIDICULOUS!!!!! We just charged it and never really thought about it. I now keep charge of every penny. We may eat out once a week now and our bill is still $640. I wanted to see what the avg bill is out there. I want to go down to $400 a month.
Shannon Green responded:
Posted: October 23rd, 2008 at 9:07 am
I just sat down to see exactly what I have been spending on groceries and was BLOWN away!! Okay, so, here are my facts…We are a family of 5 (me and my husband, 4 yr old, 10 yr old, and 12 yr old). I definately shop the deals (bogo and I try to stock up when things are on sale). I am not working right now so I cook EVERY night. Some snacks (which I buy at wholesale bakery), I avoid sodas and individual juices and I try to get AS MANY meals out of my pantry as I can before I go for the big shopping trip (2x month-$170-250). Anyway, total for the month was….$829.66!!!! Gulp! I thought it was around 650-700. Time to make more changes. I refuse to buy ramen and hamburger helper just to make the budget work. I think I would save if I limited my shopping to 4x a month instead of the 13X last month-that actually lends to frivelous spending!
Shannon Green responded:
Posted: October 23rd, 2008 at 9:07 am
BTW: we live in South Carolina
Perin responded:
Posted: October 27th, 2008 at 8:04 am
WOW Dawn! I do everything you do (mostly generics, make a menu and list, etc.) and I have and 11-year-old and a hubby and I still spend about $300 every two weeks!!!!
Vickey responded:
Posted: November 9th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
3 adults, including 1 male college student who is rarely home, in upstate New York. Our food/supplements/cleaning products/pet food/toiletries expenses come to around $900/month. We eat out maybe once every 2 months, for under $30.
We eat vegan, almost wholly organic, due partly to multiple allergies (which have improved dramatically with this way of eating)and also for ethical and environmental reasons. We’re members of a natural foods buying club and a CSA and buy what we can locally in season. Canned a little bit this summer, will do more – hopefully, much more – next year. We’re cutting back further on the already minimal snack foods, and prepare most items from scratch.

One favorite cost-cutting measure is to cook whole grains for breakfast in the pressure cooker – very cheap, very satisfying.

I second the statements about cutting costs in other areas first. One reason meat-eaters’ diets may appear cheaper is because there are more government subsidies for meat and dairy prices, almost none for fruits & veggies.
sherri idaho responded:
Posted: November 11th, 2008 at 5:32 am
Our house: Three to Four adults, one 14 year-old, one 5 year-old, two small dogs and three cats. Our total expeditures at the grocery store and drugstore, which includes non-food grocery,all types of food, any hardware, auto,random clothing items(Walmart), and gasoline for a Navigator is averaging about $1200 a month. Check out this USDA website: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov. At minimum nutritional standards, our lowest cost at the present time for food alone should be $960.00.
I’m seeing a lot of guilt in the previous comments about so-called overspending. Please visit the USDA site. Their numbers are from last year and the study used to get them was very comprehensive. Frankly, I can’t see how spending any less than the “thrifty plan” will allow for proper nutrition. As it is, I buy whole grain products, multi-vitamin/mineral tablets,and I make sure to provide adequate protein to insure that the crucial dietary elements are present. Does anyone remember the Total cereal commercial in which all the food one has to eat in order meet the minimum RDA is piled on a table? If you check it out, you’ll see it was not an exagerration. Scary.
Helj responded:
Posted: November 11th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Sherri, good stuff. I want to make a few points about the link you sent.

1) I’m guessing they are using a national cost of living average on this site, since I see no adjustment for buying food in a place like Boston versus buying food in Kansas.

2) Always remember the source. This website is run by the USDA, a site that represents US agriculture (and farmers and industry) – so for obvious reasons chances are they want people to consume and eat plenty of food.

Having said all of that, I tend to agree with your post. It seems that eating healthy, fresh food these days is by no means cheap. Even when you buy individual ingredients, the numbers still add up fast, especially if you are trying to serve your family a diverse, nutritional diet.
Mike responded:
Posted: November 11th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Our Monthly Grocery bill is about $2000 in north Jersey. 2 adults and a 14 year old boy and many cats and birds.
Includes food, cleaning supplies, and pet food.
My wife tells me will starve if she has to cut back..
K.Walker responded:
Posted: November 11th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
My Family of 5 (two adults, 9, 6 and 5 yo) budget $200/week for food, toiletries, paper products, vitamins, and other consummables. I can’t remember the last time we ate out. On occaision we will stop for a hot cocoa after a soccer game. We are very health and diet conscious and eat whole, natural foods. Protein and meats make up a large portion of our diet. We don’t spend on drinks, except for a bottle of juice for the kids every now and again. The budget is sufficient, and we always have plenty of food for leftover lunches (we are on the 5 meals a day schedule). Some weeks there is extra, and some weeks we go over by $10 or $15.
Art responded:
Posted: December 6th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I just ran the numbers for 2008 from MS Money. I think I have the highest costs of anyone to date who has posted! $23,057 in 2008 divided by 11 (Dec not done yet) = $2,096 per month.

Of course, there are alot of factors driving our families costs: Two adults, two teens and three children for a total of 7. We also have three competitive athletes, buy fresh and sometimes organic and live in the suburbs of Wash DC.

My costs also include anything you can buy at a grocery store = beer, wine, paper goods, cleaning products, occassional birthday cards and school supplies. And I include school llunch costs in there too.
BHW responded:
Posted: December 8th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
I am looking at some of these posts and I can believe what some people are spending on groceries, including in some instances non-grocery items a week.

I had a conversation with a friend the other day about grocery bills and I told him that we spend about 150.00-200.00 a week, which totals a minimum 700.00 a month for a family of six. He told me that he spends 400.00 max which would include taxes. I was amazed! And he thought I was crazy that I spent as much as I did. I really thought we were being frugal.

We use a meal planner (e-Mealz) and shop at Wal-Mart Super Center, yet still we have to watch what we buy.

I tried to explain to him that we eat meat at every dinner, fresh vegetables and fruits. There is no processed food in our house. We may buy on occasion (every 2 weeks) a 12 pack of coke and some G2 sports drink. For the example, this past week I spent 50.00 alone for meat products, such as shaved turkey, ground beef, 2 chuck roasts and 2 bags of chicken tenders in a bag. We blow through 3 gallons of milk a week @ 3.08 a gallon.

I think these averages could be very misleading, without knowing household income, types of meals eaten, and where one shops.

One could eat very expensively, if forced to based upon one’s income. A dollar can stretch far when eating hamburger helper, tuna helper, casseroles, tuna and other inexpensive items…I know, I once was a poor college student.

Take some of these averages with a grain of salt, until a study is done taking into consideration income level, types of meals eaten (i.e. how many meat dishes a week)and quality of foods that make up the grocery list.
Irma responded:
Posted: December 19th, 2008 at 7:23 am
I live in upstate NY. For a family of 4, 3 cats and 2 dogs, I spend 150.00 a week.
Mary responded:
Posted: December 24th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Thanks to all of you who’ve posted here,… you make me feel MUCH better about my monthly expenditures! LOL

I have a family of three: hubby, 16-yo daughter and myself. We mostly cook at home, take leftovers for lunches, and eat out as a family maybe once a month on average (Chinese take-out after a day of heavy yard/garden work is a common treat!)

We DO eat a lot of meat, mostly because hubby makes his most pitiful faces when presented with vegan meals too often. I try to slip in at least 2 vegan/veggie meals a week, but the man wants his meat, and with his paycheck being our primary income, that only seems fair to me. I also aim for 1 fish meal per week as well.

We budget to spend about $800/month, sometimes going over $20-50 if there are several special occasions during the month (Holy Day meals, Thanksgiving, etc.) That $800 could more accurately be called our “Wal-Mart Budget” though, as the majority of our shopping is done there, so $800 includes: food, toiletries, clothing for me (& socks/undies for everyone), as well as motor oil, paper products, cleaning supplies, pet foods, some garden things, and the occasional game! I’ve no idea how much of that budget is actually the food, but probably not a whole lot, quite frankly.

I may start keeping a record of the details of my shopping for awhile, just for grins.

I buy our meats mostly at Costco, then divide the huge portions into individual meal amounts and freeze. Their chicken thighs are already packaged into 5 thighs/pk, so that’s easy. I buy ground beef maybe twice a year ($10lbs at a time), and buy a chuck roast to chop into stew meat for beef stew maybe once a month in the winter. That probably covers our beef consumption. We get a rotisserie chicken a couple of times a month there, and the frozen salmon in individual portions.

Another HUGE savings is that my hubby found a large ethnic market near his commute route, and he stops in there a couple of times a month for me. Some items are so incredibly much cheaper there – things like Nori sheets (for making sushi rolls). At our local Martins grocery, a box with only 5 nori sheets costs $6, but at the ethnic market, a package with FIFTY sheets is it costs…. $6!!! YES, the same price but 10X as much food. Even more savings for wasabi powder (2 oz jar $5 at Martins, 2 POUND BAG at market: $5) So we have sushi at least once a week (I get the canned albacore tuna at Walmart, the house brand label – very cheap) which makes me feel incredibly spoiled and pampered, but which only costs about $1 per person to make – OH, and we can get BROWN sushi rice at the ethnic market, so we’re having an incredibly healthy meal: brown rice, tuna, bok choi stems, carrots, cucumber, sesame seeds and wasabi, along with nori sheets (very nutrient dense!) under $1 per person – WOW.

I guess that’s the sort of “trick” that makes for frugal but healthy eating. That, and we don’t drink ANY sodas or fruit juices – only water, tea and soy milk. I refuse to buy “snack food” (“snacks” are not a food group, contrary to popular belief) If we want a “snack”, we look up a recipe and make it ourselves. The only exception being whole grain crackers. Martins has their “Finast” house brand of Triscuit clones, and they’re great for those times you just itch for something crunchy/dry/salty. If I could figure out how to make those myself, I would.

Thanks to who ever created this blog – what a great idea!
Mary responded:
Posted: December 24th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
With all that chatter I forgot to say that, in our area the median income is $37,554, so our spending would be 25% of their household costs.

However, in OUR household, the income is about $100K, so our spending is only 9% of our annual income. That includes most of my clothing (except shoes – 1 pair, $100 year), toiletries, paper products, pet foods, etc.

Durn, I’m good! LOL
Trying to make it... responded:
Posted: December 30th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
the only thing i can tell anyone who is looking to save money is that i am in a family of two…. ADDING 2 cats and 2 dogs. our grocery bill is about $3-400/month including pet food, cat litter, etc… NOT INCLUDING VET BILLS.

i can suggest buying in bulk and freezing meats. i still can buy organic when possible, but in large packaging. i purchase freezer paper and ziploc bags and break everything down. i.e. 8 porkchops are packed 4 in each bag. this way, i can just pull out what i need for the next night.

i have been cooking since about 15 (am 30 years old now), but still have trouble “matching” recipes. i like to look in my cookbooks and online for recipes w/ the same ingredients. pork chops w/ veggies… then use left other fresh veggies such as peppers, onions, etc… for quesadillas… then using left over veggies adding carrots, and others for veggie soup. i don’t want to get tired of eating the same thing all the time and try to mix up my recipes. this way, i waste less.

i don’t shop for myself, don’t buy new clothes, no new shoes. i don’t have hobbies that cost money, don’t buy dvds, cds, or anything and still have trouble making ends meet. i know there are others out there… to you i say.. keep your head up.

not sure how that helps, but just thought i’d try! happy new year to everyone.
Donna responded:
Posted: January 19th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
I just had a discussion with my mortgage company about adjusting our loan, so we had to go over our expenses. I told her that we spend about $400 a month for food for my husband and myself. She said the national average was $240 for a family of 2!! We rarely eat out, but I do buy a lot of fresh produce, mostly at Wal-Mart Supercenter. I try to cut down but I just can’t seem to. I love to cook and make homemade soups, I take leftovers for lunch.
So, I’m glad I found this site. I don’t think we do too bad. I wonder where she got her info?
I know since reading about the price of raw milk per gallon, I’m thinking of buying a milk cow!
Mary responded:
Posted: February 11th, 2009 at 8:38 am
After being reduced to 19 hours a week at work, I have to depend on food stamps which are limited to $187.00 a month. I’m a single mom, have one child, and I help my elderly mother with her food as well. All this fore mentioned spending is sooo foreign to me. uhm..that’s it, we go to SaveALot for cans goods, Winn Dixie for meat specials and Dollar General for non-food items.
Much Love for those who have it, but we don’t..enjoy being able to spend it now, because our economy may bring you over to get advice from me soon..lol
Britt responded:
Posted: February 21st, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Our family of two adults, one child and a dog and cat spend $170/wk on groceries shopping at Walmart. But that’s toiletries too and cleanign supplies and sometimes beanies, gloves, stuff like that. We also spend a lot on junk food.
james responded:
Posted: February 21st, 2009 at 5:48 pm
I am a male, with a male room mate(non gay).I live in Galveston, Texas.
I entertain about 2 or 3 times a week.
Food, etc including laundry, tp, etc.
about 425.00 monthly
Ligour,Beer, Wine, etc…300.00

I will not eat out..I can cook better then most chefs.
I own a seafood company, so i eat lots of seafood.
I dont include that in my budget.
Gam responded:
Posted: March 2nd, 2009 at 10:04 pm
We are a family of 5. 4 adults and 1 teenage boy. I spend 800 a month on groceries in the d.c. suburbs. This includes coca cola products about 40 gallons per week, cleaning supplies, pet foods, personal items.
anne responded:
Posted: March 10th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
We are a family of 3, one teen-aged son and one big dog, living way upstate in NY where prices are higher than down south. 1,000 per month on groceries also includes toiletries and other walmart items. I definitely cook more than most people I know but we buy whatever we want. I was spending much more than that at a high-end supermarket, and still trying to get costs down. Now I suppose I should figure out my wine budget…
Jenn responded:
Posted: March 10th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
We are a family of 5 living in Fairfield County, Ohio. We have 3 boys ages 11, 10, and 8. We average $800 per month and it’s just getting higher due to the boys as they approach teenage years. I shop Aldi, Wal Mart, and Meijer for the loss leaders. I do buy organic vegetables and cook from scratch a lot. I notice that similar families our size with growing boys also spend at least as much on food, so I don’t feel as bad for the high numbers now. Those who say they can live on $200-$300 per month are usually childless or have at most 1-2 small children.
Michael - Orange County, CA responded:
Posted: March 11th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Family of 4-5 (2 adults, 2 teenagers) during 8 mos. of year and 5 when daughter is home from college. Ave./Yr.= 4.3 eating adults. We spend $1,500/mo. for all items in a grocery store/drugstore/Costco.
Donna responded:
Posted: March 11th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Understanding that some of the most expensive items are produce products I would suggest to anyone who enjoys tomatoes or blueberries regularly to grow them yourself. Even if you don’t have much space, tomatoes will grow in pots on a patio. There are also patio blueberry bushes available at Gurneys.com or similar food growing websites. You will notice they taste much better, and you know where they came from. If you have any space for things like a few laying hens, they are very easy to care for (I have 12) and fresh eggs are the best!! Just wash them first in a quart of water with about 3 Tbsp. of white vinegar and refrigerate. It doesnt’ cost much to feed the chickens and you will probably enjoy them. You can get portable chicken coops for your back yard. Check into some of these do-it-yourself things if you have the room. Look at a website called Motherearthnews.com for more ideas on how grow it yourself and save. That’s Mother Earth News, they also have a magazine.
Stephani responded:
Posted: March 31st, 2009 at 8:49 am
I am averaging between $700 to $900 a month at the grocery store. That is for two adults, a nine-year old and a five-year old. We also have two cats and a dog (although we buy the $50 bag of dog food at the pet store). Our grocery bill also includes all paper, cleaning products, pull-ups for our youngest.

Both of our boys bring brown-bagged lunches to school and my husband comes home for lunch almost every day. On average, I would say we eat out about three to four times a month.

I also have am six months pregnant (which causes more treats to fall into the cart than usual) and I am on a gluten-free diet, which means purchasing more expensive wheat-free products.
August responded:
Posted: April 19th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
I am surprised this blog has gone on so long. I came searching because my check-out clerk seemed surprised that I spend $200 / week. Based on what I see, I am not doing too bad.

I am a family of 3, in Colorado. Two adults, one 18 year old, 2 dogs and a cat. About $800 / month includes all food, toiletries, dog food, etc.. If my weekly grocery bill is less than $200, I usually end up going back for something during the week. We eat in (pizza, subs, mcdonalds,etc) or eat out at least twice per week. (not included in grocery bill)

We buy many fresh items and I pack lunch to work every day. (I budget another $40 a month for going out to lunch occasionally).
My budget includes: $200 /week groceries; $60 / week gas (I commute 50 miles one way); $10/week for other food (7/11, mcdonalds, water, sodas, etc..); $200 / month eating out.
Then there is the standard mortgage, phone, car payments, and the like of course.
Stephanie A. responded:
Posted: April 26th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
My 20 year old college son just asked me if $100 a week is too much for one person for groceries. I said I thought so.

But I got to thinking about it and decided to search the web for the topic. Notice that this blog was started in 2006. In that almost 3 years, food prices have SOARED through the roof! Right before our very eyes in the past year.

So, while I think $100 is too much for one person per week, I have a house of me and 2 college boys living at home while attending the local community colleges in Denver here and I am spending more on food than I did when their dad and I were still married 2 years ago and there were 4 of us to feed then. So, I still don’t have the exact answer I need. My mind can’t wrap around the fact of inflation………frustrating!!
Stephanie responded:
Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
My grocries alone run between 500-700 month. I have a family of four and we eat three meals a day at home. Most of my shopping is done at Costco with a list once a month. I visit the local Winco once a week to purchace sale items and none bulk stuff.
Kath responded:
Posted: May 2nd, 2009 at 9:36 pm
It’s crazy that this blog has been going on for so long! I just got my credit card bill today. The biggest expense is groceries! My husband and I were trying to figure out what’s normal. We spent $550 this month at Shop-Rite. It’s the two of us, our three year old son, and six month old daughter. I was hoping as she ages, we’ll lose the expense of formula and special baby foods. After reading this blog, looks like I should just accept the $550 and be grateful.

For anyone still using this site for cost comparisons… We live in NJ. I used to go all over the place – Costco, Wal-Mart – to try and buy in bulk and save money. It just doesn’t make sense, though, to drive all over the place. I check the circulars for the grocery store. When they have meat on sale, it’s better than the bulk stores. Wal-Mart raised their prices, and ours doesn’t carry (much) food, so I’d have to go to Shop-Rite anyway. Plus, going to one store with two kids is WAY easier than driving all over!
tedstr responded:
Posted: May 17th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Well after reading most of this I guess we need to make some changes.

We are a family of three with one teenager and one dog. We live in an expensive town with median family income $170,000 in suburban Washington, DC. Our budget for just trips to the grocery store(which includes wine, cleaning supplies) is $900/mo. We don’t eat meat at every meal but perhaps 4 out of 7 days. We buy mostly brand names and only go to costco about 4 times a year to stock up of basics.

Pet food is about another $100/mo, and we eat out or take out another $500 per month. This does not include my lunch at work.
LIz responded:
Posted: May 23rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
My husband, me and my three year old spend around 400$ a month on groceries and any other extras bought monthly. I cook about 5 nights a week, and we dont eat to much frozen food. I will say for all those who quote that whole wheat and organic is more expensive, yes sometimes, but not really. We eat only whole wheat bread, pasta, everything. As far as organic goes, it is a big rip off. There are hardly any regulations on it, and what exactly does chemical free mean when we are all made of entirely chemicals. If you really want to be healthier buy from local farmers, that helps the local economy, and the extra presertives needed in storing and shiping.
Will responded:
Posted: May 23rd, 2009 at 9:58 pm
How can you budget with someone in the household who has an obesity problem? There are 3 adults. The one male cant stop eating. I bought once $200.00 worth of groceries that didnt last for 3 days. Its breaking me and the only solution is to stop buying groceries altogether. The refrigerater is bare!
Breakfast its Mc Donalds…thats about 11 dollars for the 3 of us. Lunch its Subway or alike. Average price is $13.00. Dinner might be Home town buffet or maybe delivery from pizza hut. The average price usually $20.00 to $30.00 or so.So, $300 a week on food. Not sure if I am saving, but at least I have more control of my money.
Lori responded:
Posted: June 1st, 2009 at 10:39 am
When my husband was getting paid at work, we were spending about $400 to $450 per month on groceries, which included cleaning supplies and anything else normally purchased at the grocery store. This also includes my coupon savings of about $25 every week.
Now that my husband has not been paid in 5 months, we are now spending about $120 per month.
Eating a lot of pasta and mark-down items.
Stephanie responded:
Posted: June 1st, 2009 at 10:45 am
My family of 3 spends about $150 per month now that my husband has been laid off. I used to spend about $500 to $600 a month which included toiletries, cat food, cleaning supplies, and an occassional bottle of wine or pack of beer.
Like a previous poster – we are eating a LOT of pasta because it’s so cheap. Almost everything I guy now is no longer name brand, and most of it is on sale or manager’s mark-downs.
Not fun – but necessary during these hard financial times.
James responded:
Posted: June 2nd, 2009 at 10:52 pm
I am single and eat everything fresh, local if possible, and organic or near organic. Sometimes I do eat wild caught sushi at our neighborhood grocery store. I cook all of my own meals and sometimes entertain. I spent $800 on groceries this month. That includes local beer. I do think this is cheaper than eating out since I can’t eat a non-fastfood lunch near work for under $15.00. A Healthy Supper usually comes to about $20. $35 a day would not even cover breakfast, snacks, or alchohol. I think in the old days peolpe used to spend 30% of their income on food since it is so important. I save on my house, which is the cheapest smallest townhome I could find, and my car is 9 years old, paid for in cash and I take the bus to work. I try to do things for fun that are free like nature photography and volunteer work. I rarely buy things new and try to buy everything used.
JRC responded:
Posted: June 12th, 2009 at 11:17 am
tdstr is the only one who comes close to our budget. Family of 3 adults in North Jersey grocery bill averages $950/mo another $20 wine and beer. Grocery includes non-food household stuff like paper goods, cleaning stuff etc. On top of that take in quick service, pizza, Chinese, etc another $150./mo Fine dining out once a week (we consider entertainment or occasion like a birthday or Mother’s Day) averages $55./Wk All food is about 23% of our total budget. I guess we eat too much. But this is America, you don’t have to be hungry to eat.
Dan responded:
Posted: June 16th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
nassau county new york, 2 adults 9 yearold & 6 year old. Just checked online banking debited $795 for first 15 days in june. The month of may spent $1220. I’ve got to do something. Mortgage $1150, taxes $900 month, home ins $91, car ins $197, fuel $250, cable phone internet $120, gas & electric budget $364, cell phones $100 month food $1200. Total $ 4372. Thats not including small car payment, small boat payment and associated expenses which lead to the BEER expense plus entertainment for the kids and the take out food at least 2 times a week. And now the govt , federal state and local have all increased taxes on all of us. I stimulate the economy to the tune of over $6500.00 each month and dont know how much longer I can keep it up.As soon as I’m able to retire I’m leaving the socialist state of zoo york.Wish I could leave sooner but I’m stuck for now. God bless all.
bonnie oneill responded:
Posted: June 25th, 2009 at 7:26 am
I spend about $850 per month on groceries for 2 adults and 1 14 year old boy, and also includes pet food for 2 cats and one large dog, plus cleaning supplies and general toiletries. With a mortgage of $2900 (incl tax ind ins) this is pretty scary – especially given that we have to increase contribs to retirement and college due to the stock market tanking. but I can’t figure out where to cut unless we stop eating fresh fruits and veggies……..
bonnie oneill responded:
Posted: June 25th, 2009 at 7:27 am
PS

We live in CT – definitely not a ‘low expense’ state……..
Cecile responded:
Posted: June 25th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Well, I guess my husband and I are either very lucky or just very stupid. We don’t have a monthly food budget. We go to the market when we run out of or are in the mood for something (once or twice a week, maybe $20-40 each time. Both of us work full time, have a 19 month old and pregnant with the second one. Since going to work full-time I’ve not had the time or inclination for home food prep, so we do eat out 3-4 times per week, usually around $20-30 each bill. Maybe it we lived in a more rural area, we’d be forced into cooking at home, but life in so.cal. is just way too convenient. My mom is very nice and brings us home-cooked food about once a week. I guess when the situation necessitates it, we will be forced to evaluate and clamp down on food-related spending. There are other things I’ve learned to live without since getting married and acquiring a mortgage: manicures, pedicures, massage, facials, clothes and shoes, driving and travel.
Steve responded:
Posted: July 6th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Great set of responses – so many good ones that I feel the need to add mine. I found this site because I’ve been trying to figure out what we should be spending. Right now 2 of us are spending over $1000/mo including household supplies, almost all organic, with whole foods shopping about 50% of the time. I think our costs are outrageous and am trying to determine what a more realistic figure is.
Adrian responded:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 10:21 am
WOW!!! You guys must not eat alot. Just my wife and I we spend $120-150 every week. Then again, we eat EVERY 2-3 hours. Breakfast, snacks, lunch, snacks, dinner, snack. We can’t start our day without breakfast. NO WAY. 10 gallons of water a week, 3-4 18 count cartons of eggs, 2 gallons of milk, and lots of fresh fruits, and vegies. That’s with most of our food being generic. Do we eat too much? We aren’t anywere’s near being overweight nor underweight.
Adrian responded:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Oh, and to add we are in north TX
Lea responded:
Posted: July 16th, 2009 at 7:45 am
I live in Bucks Co, PA, with my husband and we spend around $700 per month in food, including groceries, alcoholic beverages, and eating out occassionally (does not include cleaning and household items or food for our dog). We eat at least 3 meals per day and we bring lunch to work most days. My husband is vegetarian so we eat a lot of high quality fruits and vegetables and some expensive meat substitution/soy products (because I need something in there other than just plain veggies). I’m lacose intolerant so milk and other dairy products are expensive and eating ready-prepared meals from the store doesn’t work because of the ingredients. In addition, I’m trying to cut down on gluten/wheat, which is going to be even more expensive. Having food allergies or a need for a special diet does cost a lot more. On the one hand, it feels unfair when I look at our bills, but on the other hand, I know that we are eating food that is really good for us. When I was a poor graduate student I used to spend no more than $40 per week on food, but the food I ate wasn’t as nutritious as it should have been. I do want to cut down on our bills (I already use coupons as much as I can) and I guess planning every meal better and sticking to the list would help control the grocery shopping. : )
Stacy R. responded:
Posted: July 16th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
I spent for a family of 2 around $500.00-$600.00 a month for groceries which includes breakfasts, lunches for work, and dinners along w/ snacks. Everything has gone up so much, the money blows away so fast my husband and I need extra jobs. It is horrible. Everyone is barely making it in life.
Holly M responded:
Posted: July 16th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
We are a family of two (me and my husband) and on average we spend about $250-$300 per month on food. We live in Redding, CA where its not too expensive. This includes cleaning supplies and toiletries. We hardly eat out, maybe once or twice a month and have a budget of $50 per month to eat out. I shop at Winco and Trader Joes (where my hubby works) so we usually have a mix of good quality organic food and cheap generic brands. It really helps to plan out all of your meals so you know exactly what you need to buy.
Suzanne L. responded:
Posted: July 17th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
This blog is fantastic. For years I’ve been looking for a way to get a handle on how our grocery spending compares to other families. We live in Minneapolis, MN and we spend approximately $800-1,000 on food monthly. Our household includes my husband and I, our college aged daughter and 2 teenage sons with lots-o-friends!! This summer I haven’t been able to keep food in the house. The boys and their friends inhale it as fast as I buy it. I try to buy organic meats and some organic veges whenever possible, but the cost is killing me.
Mary responded:
Posted: July 18th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
SFCO Bay Area CA. Family of 3 (couple and little boy). Monthly spending for groceries (including soap, detergent, toilet paper, etc) more than $500. We shop at Foodmax, Target and Walmart. Sometimes at Trader Joe’s for organic and healthy food. We don’t go to restaurants, we pack “brown bag” for work and school, buy generic brands. Sometimes we go to Grocery Outlet to look for good deals, or Dollar stores. We also go to Costco a few times a year.I am always looking for ways to save because the situation is very very difficult and I am worry everyday. Afraid of getting ill, unemployed, etc. We will start again looking for second hand clothes and keep looking in the cleareance racks.
Mary responded:
Posted: July 18th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
I forgot to add, we are trying to live a life with less chemicals (I am very worried about the high rate of breast cancer here, in the bay area) so we buy non perfume shampoo, detergent is free of perfum and colorants, lotion and all the stuff we use for personal cleaning and household cleaners, we buy organic, natural or whatever you want to call them, free of cancerigens, well, that adds up a lot to the grocery bill every 2 or 3 months.
It is very hard to try to be healthy without spending lots of money.
Madison responded:
Posted: July 31st, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Family of 4, me, hubby, 12 year old daughter & 6 year old son. Spend approx $800 a month on groceries. This does not include any alcohol which is probably another $150 a month. Live in south PA. I do buy alot of ‘quick’ foods, but do cook on average 3-4 times a week. Fast-food maybe once a week which averages another $20 per week.
Emily responded:
Posted: August 2nd, 2009 at 12:27 pm
I live in Bloomington, MN, which is a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I spend about $150-$200 a month on groceries just for myself. I am a very small person so I don’t have the same caloric needs as a 200 lb. male, or a fat person. This bill can include household items like tp, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, ziplocks, dish soap, etc. I use vinegar and baking soda for most household cleaning. I do the majority of my shopping at Rainbow, which is a discounted chain belonging to Roundy’s. I shop a little bit at Trader Joe’s as well. When I buy produce, I will buy organic if it is on the “dirty dozen list,” that is, the most pesticide-laden, i.e. strawberries.
However, my boyfriend spends about $550 a month on his groceries just for himself, and he also shops at Rainbow. He is also about twice my size, and he likes to buy expensive nonessentials like ice cream, chips, cookies, chocolates, microwave dinners, and fancy cheeses every week. Sometimes he buys $3-$7 wine at Trader Joe’s. He spends more at Trader Joe’s than I do. We have separate households.
Neither of these dollar amounts includes restaurant dining.
Sharon responded:
Posted: August 13th, 2009 at 4:35 am
It’s interesting to see the variation in prices here.

I’m American, and my Turkish hubby and I live in Istanbul, a city of 16 million people. (I moved here last year from my 10 acre farm in Missouri!)

Companies here supply catered lunches to their employees, so my husband’s lunch is free every day. We drink only tea or tap water and eat very simple stuff (i.e. baked chicken legs and a salad).

Nevertheless, we average $350/month on groceries: cleaning supplies, cereal, milk, fresh fruits, veggies, bread, and meat.

In addition, we average another $225/month on eating out at local Turkish kebab restaurants.

I don’t know how other people here do it, because I’ve read that the average Turkish family income is half what we spend on groceries alone. (And our rent is another $700/month for a tiny 450 ft2 apt). We can just barely afford it, but have nothing left over for fun or travel outside Istanbul.
Beth Oleander responded:
Posted: September 15th, 2009 at 12:00 am
My goodness, there’s a plethora of good information here, thanks for sharing. Here’s my two cent’s worth:

DH and I live in the (R-E-M-O-T-E) mountains of Western Canada and when our youngest child (a daughter) left for college we found our grocery bill immediately halved. (I think the shampoo and conditioner alone could have funded a small country, LOL!)

Teenage predilections aside, we shop for our staples on an annual basis (and buy in bulk) because of our remote location, and spend around $5,000 annually, so that’s around $400 a month and includes, food, vitamins/supplements, cleaning products, and clothing.

We have very cold, seven-month long winters and I do buy (instead of making) our winter coats sometimes, but always when they’re on sale for at least fifty percent off – and usually seventy-five percent off – and the same goes for shoes that I can’t make, e.g. galoshes. (I can make our own indoor moccasins and outdoor sheepskin mukluks.) I wouldn’t dream of shopping in season!

I should mention that twelve years ago, when we lived nearer civilization and temptation was closer by, we still had two children at home and spent $250 a week on groceries and grocery store items, which I suppose would easily cost twice as much now. However, that was before we realized we were working about twenty hours a week purely for the government (taxes). There’s poverty and then there’s poverty! We found a way to live and work more closely with the land and DH never works more than twenty hours a week now.

Still, we’d like to get our grocery bill down to half what it is now. I think we may be being a little too good to ourselves….
shelly responded:
Posted: September 18th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
After hearing that my friend can’t seem to spend less than $400 a month on groceries for just her and her husband, I got to thinking about how much I spend on Our family of three. Me, my husband, and our four year old son. I think on average our bill including non-food items is only between $200 and $300 a month. I don’t plan our meals around the sale papers, as she does,I go to the store once a month and stock up on the good deals, then cook dinner according to what we have. When shampoo is super cheap I buy a couple bottles, we have a lot of produce stands in our area and I try to buy from them- it’s way cheaper. My friend on the other hand spends at least $400 a month on food- usually more, and that’s with eating mac and cheese several times a month. I wonder if religiously shopping only the ads is what is causing her to overspend? Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean there isn’t a cheaper alternative I guess.
Beth Oleander responded:
Posted: September 19th, 2009 at 1:15 am
I did a little research, and the median grocery bill for a family of four is $10,800 a year. The average, or actual grocery bill is $12,000, or $1,000 a month, so most of us are doing fairly well.

Another interesting fact I found is that grocery prices doubled from January 2008 – January 2009. Wow!
Donna responded:
Posted: September 19th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
I posted several months ago that my husband and I spend around $400 a month on food. Now, however, my disable in-laws also live with us, both are diabetic and disabled and now we spend around $500 a month. I would like to know some of the savings tips from people on responding here. I grow my own vegetables, and I have laying hens that provide the eggs. We shop at Sam’s club for bulk items like tp, paper towels, big bags of Splenda, Coffee, etc. We do buy things like sugar free ice cream, and lower salt potato chips and real butter. I think the prices are best at Wal-Mart supercenter. We live in Michigan, one place you can only save on sales items is Family Fare, which is our closest store, I have to travel 25 miles to Wal-Mart.
I also use coupons and stock up on some sales things. I can use any advice on how to save on food. Thanks
Rachel responded:
Posted: September 21st, 2009 at 4:40 pm
My family consists of my husband, our 9 month old daughter and myself. We live in the suburbs of NYC, in New Jersey. Our average monthly grocery bill is about $500, including all household items (except diapers). I am a stay at home mom so I cook every night and I make homemade baby food, which saves a lot of money. We eat very little processed foods – just pasta, cereal, rice and bread. We also only eat out maybe once or twice a month, with a budget of $50 or less/month. Most of our shopping is done at Stop and Shop, because it is within walking distance, but we also shop at Trader Joe’s for things that are cheaper/better there, and at BJ’s Wholesale for things we can buy in bulk (i.e. frozen chicken breasts, cereal, canned tuna). The only beverage we buy besides milk for cereal is the Trader Joe’s $3 red wine, which we have one shared glass a night, totaling 5 bottles a month. Hope this helps someone out
Dot responded:
Posted: September 24th, 2009 at 9:56 am
The guy who looked up the food stamp benefit amount was on the ball. We are a family of 5 –
2 adults, 18 yr old at home in college, 14 and 11. According to the Nat’l Center for Children in Poverty, basic monthly needs for food alone is $870. Maximum food stamp benefit is $793. I spend $1000 to $1200 a month at the grocery store which includes cleaning, paper products, etc. & 2 dogs & 2 cats. I would say we eat average. I buy far less snack & convenience food than anyone I know. I let them choose snacks for the weekend and the rest of the week is up to me. At least 4 to 5 of our dinners are well rounded meals. As far as school lunches our kids buy it at school and last year I figured out that it is about the same to buy or pack the lunch (unless of course you send peanut butter and jelly everyday). I can’t wait for my husband to come home so I can show him the monthly needs food calculator and food stamp benefit that I printed off the govt. websites on the internet. He thinks we should only be spending $100/wk for food/groceries/pet food/gas and school field trips, etc. Also, my kids rarely get sick enough to need to go to the Doctor maybe once every 1 1/2 to 2 years. It only costs me $10 to take them so I never hesitate if they do need a Dr. I have always thought it is because we eat proper–maybe not organic but proper well rounded meals.

I also question how the families claiming $200-$400 food bills are feeding their kids.
Maya responded:
Posted: September 28th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Hi there,

We live in the DC area. We are a family of four -2 girls 16 months and 7 years old. On a monthly basis, we spend $800 on groceries..that is including diapers and cleaning products. We take our lunch to work every day and hardly eat out. Any suggestions on how to cut back would be great!
brian responded:
Posted: October 1st, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I have read many of these post stating that, we have 5 family members and spend less then $400 a month on food and home supplies……There are on average 30 days in a month, you are telling me you only spend 13 dollars a day on food. That is breakfast , lunch, and dinner…..Well God bless everyone who is doing this. I am assuming you all weigh around 50 pounds and most of you are are not healthy. Who is on Govt. assistance? Who is using church donations for food? I live in Cape May NJ with my wife and dog, which is primarily a tourist town. The prices are much higher at our food stores then lets rural kentucky or out of the way Iowa. I am not writing this to be crass or beligerant, I just feel that not everyone is telling the truth. We only eat out a few times a month, and my wife is at the market at least 3 times a week. We spend on average 600-800 dollars a month on food and supplies. We shop at walmart, acme, and sometimes shoprite. Milk, eggs, bread, some chicken, veg’s, and club soda run us around 35-45 dollars each trip. You have to eat to stay healthy, so I will be more then happy to spend money on healthy food then lets say a name brand pair of shoes or some mall bought shirt and pants.

If someone that is is the same situation as me, wife and dog, can itemize their spending allocations, please post this info so I can follow your habits and budget.

God bless everyone at this site for posting your budget and spending habits, its a tough world out there these days and we all must help each other get this countries economy back on its feet.
Tim responded:
Posted: October 14th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Thank you everyone for posting this information. It has been very helpful. We are a family five (kids are 16 year old boy, 10 year old girl and 8 year old girl excluding the one at college). We attempt to stay around $1,100/month and eat very well including going out probably 3 or 4 meals a week including weekends. We are not sale shoppers, coupon users or overly structured in our approach so I assume we were on the high end but some of these numbers seem unbelievably low. For example Shelly above mentioned $200-$300 including non-food items (sorry Shelly it is just an example, thank you for sharing). Based on 3 meals per day for 30 days this is between $2.22 and $3.33 cents per meal if nothing non-food were purchased.

Any insight posters could provide on how this level of spending could be accomplished I would love to hear. I have to believe some of the variance on this site is attributed to degrees of accuracy in tracking cost more than actual cash spend differences.
jackie responded:
Posted: October 15th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I shop at alid’s or sav-a-lot foods religiously.
We almost never eat out. Two of us (my husband and myself). We eat very well on $150 per month ( included tootpaste,toilet paper and laudry soap, shower soap,hand soap and all needed extras)
I go shopping every other Monday and refuse to go in between. It works well for us. I think some people just spend to spend. Have to look down and up when shopping that is where the specials are even at aldi’s. Coupons not needed at warehouse food stores. Aldi’s and sav-a-lot are not like Sam’s where you pay for membership and prices at much less
Donna responded:
Posted: October 15th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Jackie,
I applaud your ability to live on $150 a month. I thought you must surely mean $150 per week. Even shopping at Save-a-lot. My husband’s parents live with us, I raise around 75% of our vegetables in my garden. Anyway, the point is, including cleaning supplies, and going out to eat once a month, I still spend $100-$125 per week. I have chickens, so I don’t buy eggs. I can’t seem to cut any more than that for things we eat on a regular basis. I do like to eat for health and. I enjoy cooking as well.
Lea responded:
Posted: October 16th, 2009 at 7:07 am
I wish people would mention where they live. I think that geography makes a huge diffence as some areas (especially the metropolitan region on the east coast) are just so much more expensive than other areas. Or at least that’s my impression. Is that right? And if so, how much of a difference do you think?
Liz responded:
Posted: October 20th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Wow…there is a lot of variance here but so interesting to read. Dot, I plan to look up the monthly needs food calculator too, to show my husband. I am an at-home mom, and I have a budget of $500 every two weeks to cover all groceries, cleaning items, toiletries, clothing, shoes, gas, insurance copays, field-trip fees, and anything else for myself or my two sons (ages 7 years and 20 months and both big eaters). I pack my 7 year-old’s lunch daily and cook almost every night. I do try to make well-rounded meals and purchase organic milk, and mostly shop at our local grocery store, Ukrop’s, and also Wally World for dog food and canned/dry foods. I live in the Richmond, Virginia area. Thanks for all the great information.
cbhawaii responded:
Posted: October 27th, 2009 at 4:03 am
Considering a move to Tallahassee or Fort Collins for a family of two.

How much is your average grocery bill in Tallahassee Fl?

How much is your average grocery bill in Fort Collins?

Can you list costs related to:

electricity
groceries
gas
heating winter
cooling in summer

How much would cheap lunch during your work break cost?

How much would your average meal out cost low medium and high?
Tally Expenses responded:
Posted: October 28th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Expenses in Tallahassee:
1900 SQFT house – Ave $330/mth for utilities.
Gas is $2.60/gallon
2 of us spend about $700/mth on food – groceries and eating out (at least once a week).
nigel responded:
Posted: October 31st, 2009 at 3:12 am
Just me and the cat. We get organic beef from the kids farm, pork and chicken from the store. Generic booze boxed wine for me and canned cat food supplement for cat. Multi grain and rye bread, butter, peanut butter, cheese, jam, milk, potatoes, carrots, onions, noodles, rice, oatmeal, barley, sugar, coffee, (sometimes a gift too) are in stock or on the list. Make soups and stews from the kids beef, cat eats ground beef from them.
After stopping cigarett smoking running $300. groceries includes soaps, paper stuff, kitty litter, bandaids, after shave, & hygene stuff.
Seperate Budget $30. a month for mickeyd’s etc. Fancy meals out once a month maybe.
Jan responded:
Posted: October 31st, 2009 at 3:52 pm
We average $700 a month for a family of 3, including a 2 year old in diapers. That includes all shared household items and all items for the baby. My husband thinks we need to cut back because this is greater than average. I think its reasonable because it represents 6% of our take home pay and we eat a lot of organic, and specialty meats and cheeses.
Beth Oleander responded:
Posted: November 2nd, 2009 at 11:09 am
Whoohoo! I do believe I’ve found the answer after all these months of discussion, you just HAVE to check out this link

http://www.hobomountainpublishing.com

(just copy and paste it into your address bar). The information there is great and (on paper) I’ve already halved my living expenses. Check it out for yourselves and let me know what you think.

Blessings – Beth.
Holly B. responded:
Posted: November 14th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Well, I must say that I read this blog every time I feel guilty for spending money at the grocery store. It always makes me feel better.
We live in Washington, are a family of 4, (2 adults, 2 kids aged 5 and 2), and spend $350 a month on our groceries. This includes cleaning supplies, toiletries, and diapers—and luxuries like an occasional bottle of wine or soda. I would love to cut $50 to $100 off of this, but haven’t been able to yet.
I shop at two stores—Winco and Target. Winco is 30 minutes away and well worth the drive. Winco for all food items, Target for toiletries, cleaning supplies, and occasionally soda if its on sale.
I only go to Winco 2x a month—-this helps tremendously on cutting costs. I plan meals for two weeks, and buy everything I need at one time. I plan my meals so that really perishable items are eaten the first week of this cycle. I go to Target 2x a month on alternating weeks.
We don’t eat packaged food, but we do eat simple. 2-3 times a week we will have what I call “poor man” meals—a meal that costs just a few bucks. Examples are black beans and rice with a little cheese, whole wheat pasta with olive oil and parm. cheese, bean burritos, grilled cheese and soup. Side dishes are a cut up apple, carrots, or fresh greens. These meals aren’t glamorous, but they are quick and cheap. Another bonus of these meals is that my family doesn’t overeat on these nights, because its just not that good.
As a person who grew up loving gourmet (expensive) food, it was hard getting use to eating like this. But it has done wonders for our food budget. If you are serious about cutting your budget, you have to be realistic that you won’t be eating the same quality food all the time. This doesn’t mean you have to eat unhealthy food, but it probably won’t be fancy every night of the week.
Another tip that helps my budget is that if I am missing an ingredient for a recipe, I force myself to not go to the store and buy it. Instead I try to substitute it or just omit it completely. Again, not glamorous, but cheap!
And as for toiletries and cleaning supplies, we go generic all the way.
Also, if you are really serious about cutting your budgets, simply eat less. Most American portions are gigantic. Try cutting your portions by a 1/3 or even a 1/2 and see what happens. It does wonders for your waistline along with your budget.
Eating simply a few meals a week helps in making the other meals more special and feeling okay about splurging. We go out to eat about 2x a month and spend about $50. Sometimes we will share meals to help cut that cost.
We use to be a family who went out to eat 3-4x a week, along with a huge grocery bill. Once I realized how much money we were throwing away—hundreds of dollars a month—I got serious about cutting back. It took some discipline and life style changes, but overall I have appreciated savings and living simply.
Steve responded:
Posted: November 23rd, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Wow – great info here – thanks all for sharing. I became curious about this subject after I was laid off and then floundered with a home business for 6 months, before finally swallowing my pride and asking Dad for money. When I had to justify my request, I found this website. So, in return for your help, I have put together the following results from my meticulous record keeping so far in 2009.

I have a family of 5 and we live in San Diego for the weather, but very conservatively compared to most everyone we know (lots of PBJ sandwiches). Kids are 16, 13 and 12. Monthly expenses:
Groceries – including alcohol and cleaning supplies – $1,600
Clothing – $700
Medical/Dental – $600
Utillities (phone, electric, gas, cell phones (5)) – $600
Insurance (home, car, life, dissability) – $650
Car (gas, registration, maintenance) – $500
Dining out – all inclusive (ie even yogurt stops) – $300

Hope this helps someone else looking for some perspective on living expenses. Cheers
FlaKat responded:
Posted: November 25th, 2009 at 3:39 am
I live in central florida with my DH, 2 young children, and my disabled brother in law. We spend about $1000 a month on groceries and household items, and the ocassional toy/coloringbook. Most of our shopping is at Wal-Mart, so those extra things do tend to sneak in the cart. I do NOT buy expensive cuts of meat and most items I buy store brand and in large family size packages. There are very few things I buy name brand, and try to buy when it’s on sale or I have a coupon. One of my children is still in pull ups, so realistically that’s almost 100 bucks a month for just that! I buy alot of diet soda, but always when on sale or store brand…. so that’s probably about 60 bucks a month. We have very little wiggle room in our budget other than the soda. I would say if I tried really hard I may be able to get it down to 800 or so, by cutting out the soda and some of the snacks. Maybe we could eat a bit less, or more bread and pasta, I could try to find more coupons, or shop loss leaders at our grocery store, but with one car its not so easy to manage that! We do eat well, and plenty, but I really don’t think it’s crazy out of line the amount we spend. I dunno how others do it for HALF or less!

In a typical week I spend $180-220 bucks at wal-mart for my one big shop. I shop other stores such as target or biglots a few times a month and spend $20-30 or more. I shop Sams Club once a month or so, but on those weeks the Wal-Mart shop may be less. SO that’s were I get the buget of $1000.
We also eat out at least once a week. Dinner in a sit down once on the weekend and sometimes once in the middle of the week to break it up. I’m a stay at home Mom so it’s nice to get out of the house! DH eats lunch five days a week at work. All other meals for the 5 of us are eaten at home.
Also to be fair, we do some of our clothes shopping at Wal-Mart and some weeks that is included in the $200..but the majority of our clothes is bought at outlets or on sale at department stores.

We have an Aldi here now within driving distance, I wonder if it’s cheap enough to make it worth going there instead of Wal-Mart…even though they don’t have everything.

I am going to start watching closer what I buy, and trying harder to find deals. It is important to me to eat well, but still have money left over to enjoy other things in life! I don’t want to skimp when it comes to my kids. But if I COULD get that extra $200 in our bank account at the end of the month we could save for a vacation or improvements to our home….. that would be nice.
FlaKat responded:
Posted: November 25th, 2009 at 3:45 am
Forgot to mention we have 2 dogs, $50 worth of dog food a month, and $30 in flea and tick meds. They’re super cute though. lol.
Joe responded:
Posted: December 11th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Check this website out to help with grocery bills: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/FoodPlans/2009/CostofFoodJan09.pdf
Beth responded:
Posted: December 16th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
We live in the Chicago area and spend about $400 a week on food. I honestly don’t know where else I can save. I refuse to shop at WalMart for ethical reasons. So I am stuck with Jewel or Dominick’s (Or costco or Trader Joe’s).

I feel like all I spend money on is food. Don’t know how to make it any better.
Jim Cook responded:
Posted: December 18th, 2009 at 5:19 am
Unemployment hit our family hard. Kids moved back in so it’s my wife and I, two adult sons, daughter-in-law, and 11 year old grandson. Spend $1,100 a month including non-food household products but not dining out or beer and wine. Overtaxed in NJ.
Laura R responded:
Posted: December 29th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
I am a vegan and spend about $150-200 on groceries from Whole Foods, although sometimes I will go to the local grocery store and purchase cheaper organic produce. My diet consists of organic vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Not everything at Whole Foods is expensive as long as you stick to fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and cook all your meals as opposed to eating out.
Patti responded:
Posted: January 8th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
OMG, I just went thru the last six months to get an average and was shocked to find for just my husband, myself and our two cats we go thru $650 a month! Of course this includes everything, toiletries, cleaning supplies, anything like that, but I’m a pretty tight-fisted shopper ’cause we live on a fixed income so I’m just in disbelief! Of course I have a specialized diet, like soy milk rather than regular and egg beaters instead of eggs, but still…How does this happen? We don’t even eat that much meat! We’re in a part of Arizona where the wages are low and everything else is high. I just don’t know how people with kids do it! Boy, and I thought our prescriptions were high…Thanks for sharing, and the lady who looked it up somehow on the internet, where did you find it? You said food stamp benefits? I want to see what they think we should be spending….maybe. lol
Tobemom responded:
Posted: January 28th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
I really would like to see the breakdown of food expenditure in each region, because some of the numbers are so low that I don’t think it is doable in my region.

We live in the Bay Area, and spend $120-140 a week on grocery (food alone) for two adults only, and I am expecting. I stay home so I cook everything from scratch, mostly for health reasons not for cost, and I often find out that cooking from scratch costs more than processed food.

We eat mostly organic, less than 2 pounds of beef a month, 2-3 pounds of chicken and the rest of the animal protein comes from seafood, and we do eat some expensive seafood like live fish, crabs, scallops and wild fish. I make sure there is at least some animal protein every day.

We only shop at Wholefoods for egg, milk, meat and seafood and if things are on sale. We get organic veggie and fruit from local farmers market and Trader Joe’s.

We don’t drink any alcochol (only two buck chuck or sherry for cooking), nor do we indulge in any coffee. When I saw an online blog claiming that a family of three can live on $175 eating all organic without home gardening, I am stunned. I honestly don’t think it is possible anywhere in the country. A bottle of organic olive oil already costs $8 per 500 ml and you go through two of those a month. Olive oil alone can cost you 10% of the $175 budget.
AR responded:
Posted: February 10th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
i’m a single female living in NYC. I bring breakfast and lunch to work. I also work out a lot, so I eat about 3 snacks during the day, including nuts which can get expensive if not bought in bulk – though i have started to buy these in bulk. I cook dinner most nights. I buy 1 prepared lunch ($7-10) per week, and eat out dinner about 2 times per month with friends ($40). In addition, I spend about $20/month in coffee and about $60/week on groceries. So, in total, that would be approximately $350 for the month. This does not include a monthly trip to target, for toiletries, additional food and snacks, and gum at about $50. I rarely cut coupons, though if i notice an item is on sale, I will stock up or wait for a sale on certain extra things. That being said, I do buy a lot of convenience foods at trader joes (such as freeze dried fruits and frozen meals). Also, while I do cook with a lot of fresh vegetables, i have very specific tastes when it comes to food. I could probably figure out a way to spend less, but this budget has worked out fairly well in terms of health/costs.
Chel C responded:
Posted: February 22nd, 2010 at 2:29 am
We are really struggling. I’m a stay at home mom as I have yet to find work. But just my husband works and gasoline,Utilities,Real estate Taxes, Insurance and mortgage consume over 70% of our expenses. We have no car payment, no cable, dial up internet, pay as you need around $10/mo average and never shop except garage sales or second hand stores unless we need underwear once a year. I am only left with $40/week for a family of 3 (that has to include soap, TP, etc.)and our 5 year old son is under the Autism spectrum and to keep him alive I have to suppliment with lots of expensive Pediasure (generic brand is what I buy) as he is nearly strictly liquid diet, that’s so we don’t go the feeding tube route. I can’t believe what we eat, meat is nearly always out of the question unless you count hot dogs and bologna. Downsizing to a house mortgage that cost less than $50k is the only option but even barns are almost that much. Times are truly hard, the dream of owning a house now becomes the dream of living somewhere besides a tent or a homeless shelter but for now we have each other and our health.
Lea responded:
Posted: February 22nd, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Oh Chel, I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine how you must feel. I just wanted to mention that I’ve recently started the ‘drugstore game’, that is, with combined coupons, special sales, and rebates (print-out as well as mail-in)you can get free stuff from drugstores such as CVS, Walgreens and RiteAid for free or virtually free almost every week! Only a few dollars go a really long way when you ‘hit’ the right products at the right time. Check out as many blogs as possible that tell you what these deals are coming up every week. I’ve gotten lots of toothpaste, shower gels, shampoo, razors, lip balms and over-the-counter-meds free during the past couple of months. Sometimes you can get lucky and actually MAKE money on purchases (after the rebates). I hope you’re already taking advantage of these things. And I hope you manage to hang in there until things get better. They have to. Meanwhile, I’m clipping coupons like crazy. Take care.
Kirk responded:
Posted: February 27th, 2010 at 7:59 am
My family ( Two adults and one 5 year old) live about 20 minutes west of Washington, DC in the Annapolis area. I’m a sole breadwinner.

Our family doesn’t eat processed, fatty, sugary foods that you normally get a the typical chain food\Department store that are bad for your health, but are cheap. In addition we are not over eaters but normal weight and size. However we want to enjoy our life a little, so we are not going to live on just beans and rice. We can appreciate those families that wish or have to do so. To us it represents a minimal amount of our income.

Our typical monthly bill is around $750 (food only), with the holiday periods running around $900 when we have guests. This includes fresh seafood, and occasionally unique items that you can only get imported from Europe (my wife is European) or other parts of the world. We eat a minimum of meat\poultry, but what we do buy is lean, and no hormone beef\pork\buffalo or free Range.
Kalima responded:
Posted: March 2nd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
We’re a family of four and I spend at least $1200 per month on groceries.
Shar responded:
Posted: March 2nd, 2010 at 4:35 pm
I have been wondering what an “acceptable norm” would be for our family of 5 (3 adults, 2 early teens), beyond a percentage of income. This thread is giving me a good picture of the variety out there.

According to Quicken, we spend $1500 a month (Ahh!) for groceries. That includes all OTC, toiletries, supplements, cleaning supplies or ANYTHING else I buy at Costco or Kroger. We eat a great deal of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and other meat, and my husband really likes high quality meats. He makes good money and we can afford it, but I know I just throw stuff in the cart on impulse. For instance, my kids like Naked juice, and I have gotten in the habit of buying it at Costco- hey, Superfood is better than many other snacks on the run, I think! But really – it is also Superexpensive. And serving rice at dinner is pennies, where artisan bread is $4 per meal!

I am thinking of going to a cash/envelope system to help reduce my “Oh, that looks good” gourmet toss-ins. There are so many hungry people in the world that my food budget could help feed, local and international. My goal is to reduce to $1000 to start. Still sounds like a lot, but it is a big reduction for us. We have a plan to increase our support of a local food bank and build a well through the organization World Hope in Africa with what we save.
Tammy responded:
Posted: March 6th, 2010 at 9:36 am
I am amazed by how little some are able to use for groceries. We are a family of 5 near Chicago, Il. I always have at least one of the kids from the neighborhood that stay for dinner so I should say 6. We are vegetarian, and eat some organic. We spend about $1000/month. Not alot of junk food, occasional bag of chips and pop only when it is on sale. We do eat alot of beans and rice, but also fresh veggies and fruits which get a bit expensive. No sugary cereals, which means they typically cost more. I do bargain hunt alot and clip coupons. I have found our Walmarts prices to be getting a bit overpriced and found when I shop Trader Joes I do better on the bill. Sometimes to Whole Foods, but I have to be really careful there or the bill can become insane.
Beth responded:
Posted: March 6th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Tammy, I think you are doing great! As I said, we are between $1200- $1600 a month, but I have been saving by going to Whole Foods once a week for produce. It just makes more sense to go there for produce because it doesn’t go BAD in a day like the produce from Jewel. So I get most of our fresh veggies and fruit there, and then do Jewel or Dominick’s for everything else. WF is actually cheaper than Jewel/Dom for lots of things like soy butter, bread, Annie’s bunny crackers, etc. And I like the pop there… it has only sugar not HFCS.
Kristan responded:
Posted: March 7th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
I have a family of two my husband and a medium sized dog.
We have a calender on our fridge where we mark every dollar spent. Our budget consists of $50 for going out to eat once a week. And $100 for groceries. We also include the dog going to the groomers, blockbuster monthly membership, medications, dry cleaning, cleaning supplies, dog food etc. We average on actual groceries $75 give or take. We feel it is important to keep date night alive with eating out once a week. If we spend $160 one week we can only spend $140 the following week. Writting everything down has been very helpful for us to not over spend. Everyone needs a budget not just poor people, which we are not. We eat mainly organic and have a
garden over half the year which helps with cost. We also pack sandwiches, chips and salad for
lunch. And for breakfast have organic O.J. And berry shakes, eggs, sausage and occasionally toast with peanut butter. I hope this helps others with making a budget.
tim responded:
Posted: March 27th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
We are a family of 4 in OC CA; two adults, two boys: 10 and 12. Food (including toiletries) and drug store combined monthly spend for the preceeding 3 yrs: $1217, $1350 and $1112. This year is $1370 thus far (103 of which is pharmacy). Eating out averages about $100/mo., but is not included in the food/pharmacy bill. We do not purchase smokes, alcohol, steak or other obvious high cost items. How can our spend be so high; and more importantly, what can we do to reduce it?
Susan responded:
Posted: March 31st, 2010 at 7:08 am
We are a family of 9 (two adults, 7 children ages 18 months up to 15 years). I just raised our monthly budget up to $600-700 a month. This includes all meals and all nonfoods as well. I am aiming for the lower but it will most likely be the higher. I am wrecking my brain trying to think of what some are buying, to be spending so much. It would be wonderful to have a detailed list of what others are buying. Our budget is on the lower end for our family size and we live in SC, which I think is in the middle as far as costs go.
Kristine responded:
Posted: April 1st, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Susan, I made a detailed list of what I bought for this week. It’s at…

http://ayearofeating.blogspot.com/

There were a few things in there I wouldn’t normally buy (salad bar), but it’s a fairly typical week. We spend about $400-450 a month for two people. We’re nearly vegetarian and our splurges are things like soy creamer or cage-free eggs.

If you would be willing to do the same for your weekly budget it would be interesting to see how some people do so well!
Aria responded:
Posted: April 2nd, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Family of two in the Chicagoland area. We spend a little under $200 per month, not including toiletries. We eat out maybe once every other month and my husband brown bags it everyday. I’m religious about coupon use (regularly saving 30% or more on our total bill), scour the ads for deals and keep a price book. We just started a fairly extensive container garden to help supplement, too, since we eat a lot of fresh fruits and veggies. We’re also pretty fortunate in the sheer number of stores we have in our immediate area.
Jen responded:
Posted: April 5th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
We are a family of 3, I’m a single mom with a 3 year old son and 24 year old exchange student. We spend about $150/month total for the 3 of us. We are blessed with a discount grocery store in our area and do probably 80 percent of our shopping there. We also have 4 chickens and a garden. We don’t eat much meat and stock up on items when they are on sale, freezing cheese and bread when we can find them at good prices, putting back canned goods etc. We also don’t buy paper products other than toilet paper and don’t buy plastic bags/plastic wrap type stuff.
Sharon responded:
Posted: April 15th, 2010 at 8:10 am
We are a family of 5..We also have 2 small dogs and 1cat..I spend on average a month, $450.00.
I buy no processed food or junk food.. I make a menu for 30 days and stick to it..I make all cookies and snacks.. We drink water most of the time and have coffee..soda on a fun day out 1 time a month..My grocery lists includes shampoo,
laundry stuff, dog-cat food, and I only use baking soda and vinegar to clean with..I use coupons and usually save anywhere from $20-$40 at
a time…We do have an advantage, my husband is retired Navy and we utilize the base grocery store
which saves about 35% on my groc. bill..I also hunt around Super Target and Super Walmart for sales..I have a 17 yr old, 15, and 8.They eat alot.. Replacing soda and juice for water and low fat milk has brought or grocery down about $100 a month.. Those are only for special occasions and the dentist has noticed a drastic change in all our teeth..
Drew responded:
Posted: May 11th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
There are so many variables that have led me to discover this site.

My husband and I…along with one cat spend about $450 to $500 a month. (the cat is the only one who impulse buys, so we never take him to the store with us.)

I buy local if at all possible.

Our total also includes eating out, limited toiletries, household items and we do like to entertain at least once a month. Last year before my career went part-time and before we decided to set a true working budget, we were spending twice as much. Of course, you never see the reality of the situation until you take the time to investigate.

I started meal planning which included searching for recipes, making a grocery list, utilizing freezer space, avoiding processed food, not purchasing anything with “empty” calories (chips, sweets, sodas. I began clipping coupons, shopping for staples once a month and limiting trips to once a week. I don’t buy more than what’s on my list unless it is an oversight. I write it down for the next trip. I make whatever I can from scratch, including juice. We do eat meat and I will buy a surplus when it is on sale. Then I take it home and wrap, freeze and label for future use. I buy fresh vegetables from local growers and freeze or can them for future use. We are eating healthy and well. I can’t tell yet if it costs more to eat this way, or if you really save financially. But the health benefits are unmistakable.
Karin responded:
Posted: May 13th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
I like the idea of a price book, I try to have them all in my head but that’s better!
We are 7 People, 2 adults, and 5 teens. We get along with 120$ per week, incl. basic toiletries, paper products and pet food.
I use our 2 bread makers for pizza dough and make some of our bread, buy almost no frozen convenience foods. I hate big grocery stores,they are so time consuming, who needs a choice between 25 different Salsas?? and I always find something extra to buy. I get the bulk of our items weekly at Aldi, even though it’s a 30 min drive. They have 2 kinds of salsa: medium and mild.
Some stuff I get in bulk, grated cheese in 5lbs bags and 1lbs yeast for 3$ which I store in the freezer. (Not all bulk items are actually cheaper! do your math!) We eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, but only what’s on sale and seasonal. In Summer I have a garden and freeze some for winter, but bec. we like to grill we don’t really save, we just eat differently. Meats only on sale, sometimes I find great deals that are marked down, that’s when I buy steak : )
I try to have chunks of meat, roast, chops or steak once a week, other meals have meat in it, like chicken enchiladas, and others are meatless. Depression era recipies from relatives, like cabbage casserole, that I make with less fat, are really good. Funny how beans and rice, in a burrito, or beans and cornbread are not only inexpensive, but also very healthy I must add, that I have chosen to stay home and consider saving money my contribution to the family income plus be available for the kids. Don’t know if I could cook as much from scratch if I had a job.
Tivo responded:
Posted: May 21st, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Not sure how you all are doing it. I have 2 active teenagers in high school sports and 2 working adults, one very active in sports and all taking lunch to work and school, living in a rural area with very little eating out(frozen pizza night is about it). My calculations show -

Milk 2gal x 3.50 x 4 weeks = 28
Meat $5-$8/meal x 25 meals = 125-200
Eggs 2doz/week x $2 x 4 weeks = 16
bread 2lvs/wk x $3.50 x 4 wks = 28
cheese 2-3pkg/wk x $4 x 4wks = 32-48
lunchmeat 3pkgs/wk x $3 x 4 wks = 36
frozen pizza 2/wk x $5 x 4 week = 40
OJ 2/wk x $3.50 x 4 wks = 28
Produce 20/wk x 4wks = 80
soaps/cleaners 20/month
ground coffee 8-12/week x 4 weeks = 32-48
cat food/litter for 2 cats = $25/mos

This is for the basics only and doesn’t factor in anything else, no canned goods, cereals, no OTC meds, no cosmetics, jellys, oils, dressings, spices, Peanut butter, sodas, snacks, sweets, etc. not to mention anything purchased on the fly. People are either eating very little or very poorly (or their kids are scarfing their at their friends’ houses) or they are deceiving themselves how much money goes to the grocery store each month.
Sarah responded:
Posted: June 15th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
$450 a month is usual for our groceries in NC – family of 5 with 3 kids, age 7 and under. I think it’s tight, but we have fun eating and eat well.

– We buy 3 dozen pastured eggs/week, expensive.
– We have a big garden that will help this summer for veggies & herbs.
– I go to Aldi most months, stock up at sales, and started using coupons a few months ago (kind of hate it but need to).
– We don’t eat much meat except unlimited wild venison given to us free by a friend, though I buy $2 bacon and stock up on sale “quality” hot dogs for special occasions like Memorial Day.
– I don’t spend much extra on organic food, but I try to buy local veggies when I haven’t grown them (not unreasonable compared to the grocery store).
– We don’t drink OJ or eat breakfast cereal unless we find a fabulous non-sugary deal, but homemade muesli or granola without super expensive ingredients.
– I bake almost everything that can be baked.
– Oh yeah, we pay for diapers – for now.

It does baffle me why I have trouble staying in the budget though, when I have a freezer full of venison and make things from scratch all the time, grow/pick our own fruits & veggies. So that’s why I came here for a little perspective.
Susan responded:
Posted: June 21st, 2010 at 10:50 pm
I am caregiver for my 93 year old Aunt. I buy nothing but the least expensive items, go to the different stores to get the cheapest items, can’t afford organics… I do twice monthly stop and get chinese, not included, included is some non food items, foam cups, napkins, pine scent,dish and laundry detergent, live in Ga. I can’t get out for less than 400. monthly. This does NOT include personals… hair spray, shampoo, toothpaste,razors, bathroom tissue, soap.Dog food or care for her.
Seattle Pest Control responded:
Posted: July 28th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
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Thomas responded:
Posted: August 3rd, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I would like to see an iPad app that effectively gives you a grocery list that you could quickly type in prices of all the items you buy during each grocery trip. It would take a few extra minutes, but as a numbers guy, I would love to chart price trends. A digital download of my grocery bill would be better, but no store would want to make that information so readily useable.

We are a family of four with the two children being boys who eat more than their parents. We seem to buy about $50 of fresh fruit each week.

Average Monthly Grocery bill (mostly Wal Mart) – $725
This has gone up about $60 a month on average for 2010.
Any food item purchased at a restaurant or convenience store is not included in that number due to the inflated prices. I consider all of those purchases to be “eating out.” We seem to be heading towards 2k for that bill this year, which includes vacation food expenditures. If you treat buying a frappucino at the book store as eating out, then you may be more likely to modify your behavior when you review your monthly expenditures.

I track any adult beverage purchases separately as well.

I encourage folk to keep some sort of record (I use excel.) each month so that over time they can compare and watch trends. It seems tedious, but it only takes a few minutes to maintain such information that can help you understand what is occurring in your budget.
Pat responded:
Posted: August 17th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
I think that the many cost variations depend on what area you live in…there is sometimes a big difference in the cost of food. We are a family of three and spend about $400-$450 currently a month on food. I really need to get back into the couponing habit, as I was saving SOOO much with it. I wanted to share a website with you. If you don’t like clipping coupons, this is for you because you don’t clip until you need them..just save the circular and date it..this site will tell you what the sales are in your area, and where to find the coupon for each item. No, I don’t work for the site or have any connection (other than being a member). It’s just a REALLY big help. Anyway, the site is couponmom.com . I hope it helps someone like it did me..I think I just got a bit lazy and I really need to get back on it:)
Julie responded:
Posted: November 24th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
We are a family of 4, (12 yr old son, 7 yr old daughter), living in California, and my husband just told me that our grocery bill has been steady at about $1300.00 a month! I think this is crazy!!! I am a stay at home Mom, and tend to be in our grocery store at least 3 times a week, picking up dinner for a couple of nights at a time. I am going to make it my goal to go only once a week, to try to cut down on all the extras that i tend to throw in the cart. I’m also writing out a weekly meal plan, that includes a pasta, vegatarian, and leftover night to see if i can cut our costs. And i’ll be sure to remember the coupons that always seem to be left at home!!
Jennifer responded:
Posted: January 2nd, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Wow… Our diet consists of fish, poultry, some red meat, tofu, nuts, cheeses, yogurt–(organic, nitrite, artificial color/flavor, chemical and preservative free when possible), whole grain breads and pastas, couscous, salad dressings, marinades and sauces, condiments, herbs, spices and lots of fruits and veggies–organic when available–we can’t possibly spend less than $250/week for our family of four. No toiletries or anything like that included. We’d have to eat nothing but Kraft Mac&Cheese, rice, beans, tofu, cabbage and tuna to stick to $300/month for 4 people.
Rachel responded:
Posted: January 2nd, 2011 at 6:49 pm
I can’t comprehend eating on $3 a day/ person!! I’m afraid those who stock up on processed “deals” with coupons and shop in the center isles of the supermarkets have unfortunately fallen prey to our obese culture drive for fast cheap food. We’ve got to realize that little savings are costing our HEALTH in the long run. Don’t get me wrong- I hate that we have to spend so much on food. I rarely go out to eat, do the best I can with utilizing coupons and deals but feel it is absolutely necessary for the future of our family to eat well. Watch what you put into the mouths of those that you love. Cheap usually translates to bad health, either now or in the future. You pay for what you get.
robert w responded:
Posted: January 4th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
we are a family of four living in southern california. we have two teenage boys so we end up feeding several other teenage boys a few times a month at least. our complete household is run on $1200.00 per month. the groceries usually average around $800.00 or so per month.that is not including my sons school lunch cafeteria bill of $2.50 per day. that also does not count when we go out to eat or order pizza in.
Jules responded:
Posted: January 15th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
Wow! This is an eye opener,especially going back to 2006 and scrolling to 2010. Living in northern California my family of 3 adults,1 cat,2 dogs our bill is $1500.00. I have tried everything to bring it down…I think we just waste a lot and I don’t buy convenient food, everything fresh and homemade. I do a lot of freezing and that helps with left-overs. I guess I should just stop cooking for an army! This also includes household items and dog/cat food. In 2006 I was averaging $1200.00 for groceries. I look for coupons, yet they aren’t always what I need, it seems like it is always junk food.
steve responded:
Posted: January 16th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
For a family of two adults we have a monthly food bill of $600; however, it includes all items that can be purchased at a supermarket such as laundry soap and other cleaning products
Becca responded:
Posted: February 22nd, 2011 at 11:05 pm
Family of 5 in MN (me, hubby, 4 year old, and 2 10 month olds). We usually spend $900 to $1000 per month on food. We buy mostly organic and very little processed food. Lots of fresh fruit and veggies – so this is a bit lower during the summer and fall when we can buy from the farmer’s market. We don’t really eat out. This is the biggest part of our budget after our house payment and well worth it IMO! It scares me the things some people are willing to put into their bodies. If I can’t pronounce it or I’m not really sure what it is, I’m certainly not going to eat it!
Cherie responded:
Posted: March 1st, 2011 at 1:17 pm
we are a family of 3 in NJ about an hour outside of NYC (2 adults & a 3 year old) and I’ve gotten our grocery bill down to $650/mth. (We probably spend at least $250 on meals out). The 650 includes food and non food and is for mostly only organic products. In order to get the bill down, I had to go with only buying 1 -2 meats a week (unless there is a sale on the organic meat, then I’ll stock up). I try to have one meatless meal at least once a week.

I rarely shop in the middle aisles of the grocery store. And almost never buy premade foods or mixes. I try to make most of our meals from scratch. I have to confess that I do buy cereal but strictly organic cereals.
Kelli responded:
Posted: March 7th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
I have been beating myself up over the monthly grocery bill. Foods are getting more and more expensive. For my family of four, two adults and two children under 4, I have been spending around $650/mo on groceries (including cleaning and personal care products etc.)
I clip coupons, shop sales, prepare a meal-plan for the week, go to multiple stores, and shop in bulk. It can take me a good 12 hours to complete my grocery list and buy my groceries.
I also believe it is extremely important to watch what we put in our bodies, so I buy only natural or organic foods and prepare all of our meals and snacks from scratch. I also have recently learned that I’m gluten intolerant which has increased my bill significantly while I stock up on brown rice flour and xanthan gum etc. I haven’t brought myself to splurge on fresh meats so we eat very little of it. I buy natural meat in bulk and freeze it.
I refuse to buy groceries at Wal-mart because I feel as though this place thrives on causing obesity. I have found very little-no real healthy food here.
Thrivalista responded:
Posted: March 8th, 2011 at 10:33 am
Re not shopping at Wal-Mart – I agree wholeheartedly that the place thrives on causing obesity. But if more people shopped there for the few natural or organic things they do offer, the increase in sales could encourage them to expand those offerings. There are a few organic items they carry (soymilk, for one) that we stock up on once a month or so.

O/T:
Re gluten intolerance, which our family shares – we’ve learned to focus on making crackers and cooking other grains (millet, etc.) and root veggies in the winter in lieu of making breads. We also substitute ground flax seed for the xanthan gum.
/O/T
Rose responded:
Posted: March 11th, 2011 at 8:35 am
We live in Hamilton, ON Canada. We have a family of 6 (2 adults, 1 teenager, 11 year old, 7 year old, and 2.5 year old)

We spend $250 per week on groceries and that includes diapers, pads, toothpaste, etc. and we eat out once per month for no more tha $60 so that comes to $1060/month on food. That is with no extras. Also the cost of food here cost more than most States. This is bare minimum food costs with NO extra goodies. I bake all our own snack foods. We drink water and NEVER have pop, etc. Our teenager is eating me out of the house! This includes showing hospitality to others and entertaiing.
Most families I talk to with kids in our area with the same age kids and amount spend up to $1200 per month and eat out more.
Becky responded:
Posted: September 2nd, 2011 at 5:03 pm
We live in Wenatchee, WA and we have a family of 4 (2 adults, 9yo, 7yo, and 1 dog, 3 cats). We also live 1/2 hour out of town but drive there daily for kids private school and work. We spend 2000 per month for food, gas, eating out, extras, etc. I think about 800-1000 of that goes to food, depending on the month. I try and do a grocery outlet and super wal mart run 1-2 times per month, we buy our pet food and paper goods at costco, but I am gluten free so that adds to the budget as all noodles and flours in our house are GF. We also spend more money on raw local organic milk and eggs, we eat a lot of fruits and veggies which are, in the summer, purchased locally. I also purchase our meat grass fed and local for the most part. I think if we went back to sale milk, meat, eggs, etc I could probably cut it down to 500 per month, but it’s not worth it to me-we live in an area that is pesticide heavy so I give my kids every advantage through nutrition and natural hair/skin/cleaning products. We buy a lot of our natural skin care/cleaning/toothpase products at grocery outlet or wal mart to help defray that cost. I do think I could cut down a bit on that budget though by soaking and using more beans/lentils ect. in food. Will have to try!
Rich responded:
Posted: September 7th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
We live in the Denver, CO area. Food is one of our largest expenses. Two adults, three kids all under seven. We spend $800-$1000/month on groceries. That includes non-edibles that you buy at the grocery store (paper towels, toilet paper, etc.) We shop for most things at a big box store (Sam’s) but I am not convinced we save money. All veggies and fruits come from the supermarket. These last two are a huge cateogry for, which I think raises our bill substantially. Unfortunately, almost all coupons are for canned or boxed food. We buy very few of these types of products.
Carrie responded:
Posted: September 16th, 2011 at 10:28 am
In South Central Wisconsin, my husband and I spend $100/mo at the grocery store. I’m lactose and gluten intolerant. We eat out once a month but that is not included in this. I buy generics and bulk food and only buy things when on sale. I have a stand alone freezer which helps.
Marie Cooper responded:
Posted: September 21st, 2011 at 4:12 pm
I have been spending approximately $600 to $1000 per month on groceries for a family of 4 people (2 teenagers). We have now had a serious cut back in income and I will only have $240 available per month for food – anyone have suggestions?
Janelle responded:
Posted: September 21st, 2011 at 11:47 pm
Hi Marie -

A few suggestions. First, I’ve been in your boat. We have 4 kids, 13, 11, 10 and 8 and wow can they eat. I’m feeding 6 people here in Western Washington. It can be very expensive.

First, shop sales. Question every purchase. If you can make it by hand, don’t buy it. Use more beans, less meat. If you don’t know how to use beans, search the net for how to prepare them. There are tons of blogs and recipe sites to help you.

Cook all meals from scratch. Make extra portions so you can have leftovers for quick meals.

Be humble and accept help where you can. Check farmers for gleaning opportunities. There are ministries out there where you can buy boxes of food for less. Angel Foods or Angel Ministries is one of them (there isn’t one in my area but do a net search). Over the last few years, we have had some very, very lean times with only like $200 a month or less for food. We’ve gone to the food bank, prayed and gone ‘scouting’ for food. We picked tons of apples off the side of the road on public land (all for free). We sliced them, froze them, made pies, dryed them, etc.

Specific ideas: Oatmeal is cheap and can fill up your family each morning for pennies.

Buy whole chickens on sale for .75 cents a pound or less. Boil 3 up, debone and save the meat for other meals. Simmer the bones and everything else all day to make a rich broth (add carrots, pepper, salt, celery and onion for more flavor and nutrition). Make a huge pot of soup out of 1/2 the stock. Freeze the rest for future soups.

Turkeys will go on sale for .39 cents or less in November. Buy as many as you can freeze. I usually buy 5 or so and we use it for soups and every meals for months.

Bake all of your bread. Do many loaves in one day and freeze what you can’t eat in a few days. Do the same thing with rolls.

Hope this gets you thinking. I know its hard, but with some work, you can do it!
Thrivalista responded:
Posted: September 22nd, 2011 at 10:39 am
One caveat would be to check out Angel Food Ministries very carefully. There are people who have used their products and been very disappointed in the quality – to the point where some of it was unusable.
See comment #2 on this post at TheSimpleDollar.com:
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/21/some-thoughts-on-angel-food-ministries/
Ken responded:
Posted: October 26th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
I live in Orlando, FL. I’m single now and only eat out two or three times a week, usualy on dates. When shopping at the supermarket my bill runs anywhere from $100-$150 per week. That includes healthcare and hygiene. When I was married and five children, our bill was close to $400 per week. And neither my ex, children, or I are overweight. When I talk to my friends they say around $250 per week. So for the ones that spend the least, more power to you.
WashingtonSuburbMom responded:
Posted: October 28th, 2011 at 6:27 am
Family of four in Washington/Baltimore Metro suburbs-avg. $1,100 to 1,200 a month for groceries, personal care products, toiletries, pet food. My husband and I have two daughters, 11 and 13, one cat, one dog. Both daughters are dancers, my husband has a very physical job and I teach fitness. We eat a lot of calorie and protein dense foods. I buy all meat at Whole foods, but tend to buy chicken, ground beef, sausages and have fish once a week. We also don’t eat huge meat portions (3/4 of a pound for 4). We have a better cut of meat about once a month. Only organic milk and butter. Chips, yes, but no soda and very limited snack foods (generally the natural ones like nuts and granola which tend to be more expensive.)I cook every night and everyone eats home-made lunch. We eat a ton of fruit and veggies, I can’t keep them stocked. We buy expensive toilet paper and paper towels and cheap shampoo and personal produts. I shop at Whole foods for proteins and some veggies, Target for all boxed, package and non-grocery items, and buy store brands for everything but bread. I shop at Safeway for about 1/4 of my monthly bill because it is much closer and convenient.
My biggest expense seems to be vegetables and fruit. (Even more than meats.)
Pat responded:
Posted: October 28th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Hi, I posted back in Aug. 2010. Wanted to update my comment because a couple of things have changed since then. First of all, I’ve learned a LOT in the past year. I used to be so naive and thought that if it’s in the food it must be safe…WRONG! We went on a diet (not to lose weight) called the Feingold diet, which eliminates many preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, etc. Since starting that, I’ve learned SO much. Anyway, more recently, my son is on a gluten free and casein free diet, so our grocery bill is probably (I haven’t calculated recently) around $700-$800 for our family of 3 with two cats. This DOES include toiletries, etc. We live in Ohio. I read somewhere that for every extra $1 you spend on healthier food, you’ll save $6 in medical bills later. Someone once told me that it was true because she experienced it first hand. Anyway, thought I’d update since I realized that it’s not always about the AMOUNT you spend….health is a huge consideration as well.
Talishia responded:
Posted: November 30th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
In my family of 4 we spend $140 a month on food. I shop smart and compare deals all the time. I live in Minnesota so for our short summers I have a large garden that helps our bill stay even lower. In the summer I also go to pick your own farms and can or freeze food. We also buy meat from a farmer that costs us an extra 600 a year. So after you add in the meat we spend about $190 a month in the colder months (9 months out of the year, lol) and $150 when our garden is producing.
Retirement Planning Courses responded:
Posted: January 31st, 2012 at 12:31 pm
I’m not sure about living on a dollar a day, but I definitely look for the deals both in the store and in the coupon books, and search the web for healthy and cheap recipes!