Breaking Down Food Costs: What Does the Average Person Actually Spend on Groceries?

When it comes to monthly household expenses, how much does the average person spend on groceries compared to other budget categories? Recent online discussions reveal that many families are grappling with food costs that rival or even exceed their housing payments. One couple reported spending $200 weekly for two people, while larger households shared starkly different figures—creating a revealing picture of American food spending patterns.

The National Baseline: What Are We Really Paying?

According to 2023 data from the USDA, grocery spending varies significantly based on lifestyle choices. The government’s Thrifty Food Plan—designed for budget-conscious shoppers and SNAP recipients—suggests the average adult spends between $242 to $303 monthly on food. However, moderate-cost plans push this figure to $317–$376 per person, while liberal spending approaches $405–$457 monthly.

These estimates mean that for a household of two, monthly food costs can reasonably range from $484 (thrifty) to $914 (liberal)—a gap that hinges largely on shopping habits and food preferences.

Real-World Spending: The High End

The couple spending $200 weekly ($800 monthly) falls comfortably into the moderate-to-liberal category. Their grocery cart reflects this comfort level: beef, lamb, and fresh seafood appear regularly alongside yogurt, half-and-half, coffee, and organic produce. They purchase seasonings, chocolate, and other indulgences without apparent concern for pinching pennies.

By contrast, a rural family of seven managing a $700 bi-weekly budget ($1,400 monthly, or $200 per person) demonstrates that larger households don’t automatically spend more per capita. This family has cracked the code through bulk purchasing—particularly 25-pound bags of rice that become the household staple—and strategic monthly Costco trips that consolidate purchases into single transactions.

The Ultra-Frugal Approach: Beating the Average

One South Florida millennial achieved remarkable savings of just $80 monthly by combining several strategies: shopping at budget retailers like Aldi and local markets, buying discounted chicken in bulk (79 cents per pound for drumsticks), vacuum-sealing proteins, and eating the same lunch daily. This approach requires discipline and planning but proves that significantly lower food costs are achievable.

Their shopping list reveals the backbone of budget groceries: eggs, beans, lentils, oatmeal, rice, pasta, and occasionally splurge items like locally caught seafood when entertaining guests.

Key Strategies Behind Lower Costs

Bulk purchasing: Buying rice, frozen chicken, and other staples in 25–30-pound quantities reduces per-unit costs dramatically. One month’s bulk purchase at warehouse clubs can sustain a family for weeks.

Shopping location strategy: Aldi and local produce markets often undercut conventional supermarkets. Rural families benefit from consolidating trips despite travel distance—fewer shopping visits mean fewer impulse purchases.

Protein timing: Buying chicken on sale and batch-freezing it reduces reliance on expensive beef and pork. Similarly, purchasing seasonal or locally-caught seafood keeps costs low.

Meal standardization: Eating the same lunch throughout the workweek eliminates decision fatigue and reduces waste. Batch cooking ensures consistent portion control.

Future food production: One family plans to expand into gardening and home canning—growing beans, carrots, potatoes, and herbs—a strategy that could cut their annual food costs by hundreds of dollars once established.

Where Does Your Budget Stand?

Most Americans’ grocery spending falls somewhere between the thrifty and moderate USDA estimates. A single person might reasonably expect $250–$380 monthly, while couples often spend $500–$900 depending on food quality and shopping discipline. Larger families often achieve lower per-person costs through scale, provided they buy strategically.

The real differentiator isn’t family size—it’s intentionality. Those spending significantly below average share common traits: they shop sales, buy in bulk, choose affordable proteins over premium cuts, and resist convenience foods. Meanwhile, those at the higher end typically prioritize variety, quality, and convenience over savings.

If you’re looking to optimize how much does the average person spend on groceries relative to your own household, start by tracking where your money actually goes, identifying which stores offer the best deals for your staples, and deciding which foods merit premium spending versus which deserve budget substitutes.