Average Budget for Groceries Alone for Family of Four
Groceries are 1 of those things we all need. They're also an expense that can quickly add upwards, and, if you're non careful, get your household budget off rail.
The good news is that, with some unproblematic calculations and strategic spending, grocery shopping on a upkeep is within reach. We've rounded upwardly some recommendations on how much to spend on groceries each month, along with some quick tips to help keep your grocery budget in cheque.
The average cost of groceries per month
According to the United States Section of Agriculture (USDA), your monthly grocery budget is dependent on the following factors:
- The number of people in your household
- The age and gender of each person
- Your monthly household budget
(If y'all don't have a budget, or demand aid creating one, this guide on how to create a budget for the first time can help.)
The USDA's food plan cost guide offers a suggested grocery upkeep for iv spending levels: thrifty, low-cost, moderate and liberal. Here are some general guidelines – from lowest spending level ("thrifty") to highest ("liberal") – based on the government bureau'due south recommendations* for common household sizes:
Boilerplate grocery bill for ane If you're a single developed, depending on your household budget, look to spend between $175 and $345 each month on groceries.
Average grocery nib for two For a two-adult household, the effigy above will double: $350 to $690. The number goes downward a flake for adult-plus-kid households. For one adult and one child between i and 11 years old, upkeep for roughly $300 to $590 each month. Add $l to $100 more ($350 to $690) for a child betwixt 12 and eighteen.
Boilerplate grocery bill for family of iv Depending on your budget, grocery spending for a family of four can require penny pinching and conscientious planning. Families with two adults and ii children between 2 and 5 years old tin can expect to spend between well-nigh $590 and $1,150 each month. For households with 2 adults and ii children betwixt 6 and 11 years former, the number increases to $675 to $1,340.
*These numbers correspond an boilerplate of the USDA recommendations. For more detailed information, including depression-cost and moderate plans, visit the USDA nutrient programme cost guide.
Tips for grocery shopping on a budget
Although the numbers above vary widely, they may spark the realization that you're spending likewise much on groceries. And if you are, yous're not lonely. It's estimated that Americans are spending up to 13% of their household income on food, which, at an average of $660 per person, tin add up to a whopping $8,000 every yr.1
So how do you scale back? Hither are some quick tips.
-
Plan ahead
Going to the grocery shop with a plan is the best mode to go along your spending downward. Build a grocery list by planning out your meals and shop based on your favorite stores' weekly sales. (For additional tips, check out this quick video on how to feed your family good for you food on a budget.) -
Avoid impulse buys
One of the fastest ways to bosom your grocery budget is impulse buys. Stick to your grocery listing and heed the warnings when information technology comes to shopping when you lot're hungry. Studies show you'll not simply spend more,2 you'll buy higher-calorie foods,3 too. -
Relieve with discount apps
Discount apps are the new Sunday coupons. They're free (and paperless!), easy to use and some even requite cash back. We've rounded upwardly some oversupply favorites here. -
Upkeep for grocery delivery fees
If you opt for grocery commitment, don't forget to gene in service fees and tips. Before you swear off the service birthday, weigh the fees against how much it may actually be saving you. It's likely getting your groceries delivered helps you avoid impulse buys, plus you become fourth dimension to comparison shop and fill your cart with meal-planning ingredients. -
Take a closer await at meal kit services
If you lot subscribe to meal kits, crunch some numbers to figure out if they're worth it. If they help you avoid meals out, that can exist a major plus. And, since ingredients are proportioned, they can as well prevent you lot from buying more you lot need.
 Need help budgeting? Our free upkeep computer can assistance you figure out where your money is going each calendar month. |
A little planning goes a long way
Nutrient shopping on a budget can be an intimidating venture, specially if you're used to freewheeling information technology at the grocery shop. Only a lilliputian planning goes a long way. Once yous know how much to budget for groceries, and beginning employing some like shooting fish in a barrel ways to salvage, you lot'll be a pro in no time.
1. Bieber, Christy. "Average food spending tops x% of income. Here's how to salve coin and nevertheless consume well." USAToday.com. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/05/01/average-food-spending-save-money/111623736/ (Accessed Nov. two, 2020).
2. Ashford, Kate. "Shopping Hungry? Y'all'll Spend More (Even If Yous're Not Buying Food)." Forbes.com. https://world wide web.forbes.com/sites/kateashford/2015/02/25/shopping-hungry. (Accessed Nov. 5, 2020).
3. Pittman, Genevra. "No, really - don't shop when yous're hungry: written report." Reuters.com. https://www.reuters.com/article/united states of america-shop-hungry/no-really-dont-shop-when-youre-hungry-study-idUSBRE9450TF20130506 (Accessed Nov. 5, 2020).
The information in this article is provided for general didactics and advisory purposes but, without any express or implied warranty of whatever kind, including warranties of accuracy, completeness or fitness for whatever particular purpose. It is not intended to be and does not plant fiscal, legal, taxation or any other advice specific to you the user or anyone else. The companies and individuals (other than OneMain Financial's sponsored partners) referred to in this message are not sponsors of, do non endorse, and are non otherwise affiliated with OneMain Financial.
Source: https://www.onemainfinancial.com/resources/money-management/how-much-should-i-budget-for-groceries-each-month
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