I came across this link about the cost of groceries for individuals and families in the U.S. I thought it was interesting because it’s a lot less than what we usually spend.It says the average family of 4 spends $1,200 a month. And I’m assuming this does not include eating out. This seems like a lot to me! We spend pretty much the same amount on going out to eat as we do on groceries, so I guess that’s why this shocks me.
I guess we fall into the “Thrifty Plan” for families of 2 with individuals between 19 and 50 years old. It says people in this group spend $368.20 per month. This is pretty much what we spend on groceries (a little higher), our goal is around $250-$300 (not including going out).
How do you compare to this?
Stephanie says
$1200 a MONTH?! Yeah, we're on the super thrifty plan, apparently… we usually spend around $300/month on groceries, so even if you double that (assuming we have two kids who eat as much as two adults) and you still only get $600. What the heck are these $1200/month people buying?
~Carla~ says
WoW.. That's a LOT of money of crap food… Seeing as 65% of Americans are overweight, I'm guessing that whole foods aren't at the tops of these lists. We're a family of 6 and I budget $150/week, $600/month. I put in orders every few months for organic pork, & free range, grass fed beef. So that would up our costs a bit, but with 4 kids we would STILL fall under the thrifty plan!
Niki says
Wow.. that seems outrageous. We used to send almost that on groceries in a month. It was probably close to $1000, but that included eating out.
MW says
I swear, every grocery estimate I've ever seen seems to be grossly out of touch with my reality! Like, even when I was in university, I remember the estimates for students' spending was like, three or four times what I actually spent!! $1200 a MONTH? A family of four should be able to eat well on half of that, or maybe less!I mean, the scary thing is, I assume people spending that aren't buying filet mignon and caviar and fancy stuff. They're probably buying processed, packaged crap.
Tanner says
I'm actually secretly happy I am 1/3 below the thrifty plan for my group. I know I shouldn't be happy about that, but it makes me feel rather content. $1200/mo is… very excessive. What are they basing their numbers off, brand items, no sale prices at all? That's $275/wk…
GLAMOURMOES says
Wauw that's a lot! We don't spend that on food! You can get so much healthy and less expensive food!
Jennifer says
We fall within the thrifty for a 4 person family as a 6 person family. Given some of the organics, we – like Carla, probably go into the low category, but again for 4 people! My goodness – we eat well, too!
femmefrugality says
That's alot. We don't spend that much. But people used to spend a lot more. Before grocery store chains and subsidies the average American household could expect to spend 50% or more of their income on food. Then again, the subsidies are mostly on unhealthy products. So we're paying less to be less healthy…
The Happy Homeowner says
I referenced that chart in my post about ways to cut your grocery bill, and I was shocked to see those totals!!! Considering I spend about $150/month on groceries (including kitty food for my beasts), I'm definitely in the super thrifty group…
Barefoot and Preppy says
I am a college student and spend about $75 dollars a week on groceries and that is not including going out to eat and the cost of my meal plan!I definitely need to learn how to be more thrifty!!! xox,rMc
lowcarbhighstyle says
I didn't get from this spreadsheet that $1200 was the average a family of 4 spends, it says that is the average for a liberal spending plan no? My husband and I are in the liberal average for 2 people though, we spend on average $800 or so on groceries per month. We don't eat any grains, sugar, or processed foods, but food quality is a priority so we pay a premium for grass fed beef, as close as possible to pastured eggs, chicken and pork, and almost entirely organic veggies. I try to save money by going to Trader Joe's and using a local/organic delivery company with good prices, but when I go to Whole Foods to get our coconut oil and such I guarantee it is very easy to walk out with just 2 bags for $150. We are going in on a grass fed beef share with another couple who has freezer space for ours too so hopefully that will help lower costs a little!
Amy Rene says
Interesting… we're self-proclaimed foodies, so our grocery bill (for 2 of us) is usually pretty high + eating out most weekends. Great find!
Newlyweds on a Budge says
Thank you for sharing this! I always wondered if we spent too much or too little. We were spending about $350 but I would always try and come around $300 a month. Now, with Eric not working, he's been taking lunch every day and somehow that means we're now spending $250 or so a month. I'm happy with $250-300.