Average Cost of Groceries Per Month: Are You Spending Too Much?

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Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? You’re not alone. From rising meat prices to higher delivery fees, many Americans are seeing their food bills creep up month after month.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average household spends more than $6,000 per year on groceries — but where that money goes can vary widely. It depends on factors like what you buy, how often you shop and whether you’re paying a premium for convenience.

The Average Cost of Groceries Per Month

What does the average U.S. household spend on groceries per month? Spending averages out to about $504. But that number doesn’t tell the whole story.

For example, households that buy mostly whole ingredients may spend differently than those relying on prepared meals or snacks.

Here’s what to consider when evaluating your own grocery bill.

How Much Should You Spend on Groceries Per Month?

To determine how much you should spend on groceries each month, consider the food plans created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Each month, the USDA publishes food plans that estimate grocery costs at four budget levels: thrifty, low-cost, moderate-cost and liberal.

These plans can help you estimate the average cost of groceries per month based on your household size and what type of budget you’re working with.

Average Cost of Groceries for One Person

Here’s the breakdown of monthly costs for each type of food plan for one person in the 19-50 age group — and the 20-50 age group for the thrifty plan. The numbers are rounded to the nearest dollar.

Good To Know

The USDA food plans range from thrifty to liberal based on spending habits.

• The thrifty plan assumes cost-saving strategies like buying in bulk, shopping store brands and cooking at home.
• The liberal plan allows for more brand-name products and more convenience items.

Average Cost of Groceries for Two People

Wondering what your grocery bill should look like if you’re shopping for two? Whether you’re planning meals with a partner or cooking with a roommate, the USDA provides monthly grocery estimates you can use to budget.

Here are the estimated monthly grocery costs for a household of two adults (one male and one female).

Average Cost of Groceries for a Family of 4

For a family of four — two adults (one male and one female, ages 19-50 or 20-50 for the Thrifty Plan), one child aged 6-8, and one child aged 9-11 — here’s the monthly grocery cost based on each USDA food plan.

Grocery Prices by Category

Budgeting for groceries is easier if you know ahead of time how much things cost. Here’s what you can expect to pay for common grocery staples, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How Income Affects Grocery Spending and Food Access

How much you make will also determine how much you spend each month on groceries.

Higher-income households:

• Can pay more for organic produce, prepared foods and gourmet items.
• Tend to shop online more often and have better access to high-quality grocery stores.

Lower-income households:

• Must stretch every dollar, which can limit food choices.
• May not afford bulk items, which often offer better value.

According to the USDA:

• Over 13% of U.S. households experience food insecurity.
• Over 5% experience very low food security, meaning disrupted food eating patterns or reduced food intake.

Budgeting for Groceries: How To Use the 50/30/20 Rule

Without a clear budget, it’s easy to overspend on groceries — especially with fluctuating prices and impulse purchases.

The 50/30/20 rule is a simple and widely used budgeting method that helps you allocate your income into three clear categories. This rule is often recommended because it’s easy to follow and flexible enough to apply to different income levels.

Here’s how it works. 

• 50% needs: This includes your grocery budget and other necessities like mortgage or rent, insurance and car payments. 
• 30% wants: Things you want but aren’t necessary, such as movie tickets, concerts, travel and dining out.
• 20% savings: The remainder of your budget goes to savings and debt payments. 

Pro Tip

To create a budget for your groceries, start by allocating 50% of your net income to essential needs.

Subtract non-grocery essentials (like rent or utilities) from that amount to see what’s left for food. If it’s not enough, consider redacting spending in your wants category to make room.

How To Save Money on Groceries

Planning a careful grocery shopping strategy can save you hundreds of dollars on your annual grocery tab. Here are a couple of ideas to help you get started.

• Plan weekly menus: Meal planning apps like eMeals take the guesswork out of shopping. They provide weekly menus, complete with recipes and shopping lists, for a monthly fee of $5. 
• Make shopping lists: Print off a grocery list or send the list to Walmart, Kroger or other participating stores to pick up your ingredients and avoid impulse shopping. As a free alternative, the What’s for Dinner website lets you browse recipes and create your own custom shopping list. 
• Use a cash-back app: Apps like Upside can also save you money. Just shop or order from a participating merchant for cash-back rewards. As of April 2025, partners include Price Chopper, Schnucks and more. The app also awards cash back at many gas stations.
• Don’t forget coupons and loyalty programs: Digital coupons and store loyalty apps can unlock exclusive deals and savings. Stack store promotions with manufacturer coupons for even deeper discounts.

Daria Uhlig, Cynthia Measom and Jodi Thornton-O’Connell contributed to the reporting for this article.

Data is accurate as of May 1, 2025, and is subject to change.

This article has been updated with additional reporting since its original publication.

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