How Much Does a Family of 4 Spend on Groceries Each Month?
Groceries are ane of those things we all need. They're also an expense that can quickly add upwards, and, if you're not careful, become your household upkeep off rail.
The good news is that, with some uncomplicated calculations and strategic spending, grocery shopping on a upkeep is within accomplish. Nosotros've rounded upward some recommendations on how much to spend on groceries each month, along with some quick tips to assistance go on your grocery upkeep in cheque.
The average price of groceries per month
According to the United states Section of Agriculture (USDA), your monthly grocery budget is dependent on the post-obit factors:
- The number of people in your household
- The age and gender of each person
- Your monthly household budget
(If you don't have a budget, or need help creating 1, this guide on how to create a budget for the first time can assistance.)
The USDA's food plan cost guide offers a suggested grocery budget for four spending levels: thrifty, low-price, moderate and liberal. Here are some general guidelines – from lowest spending level ("thrifty") to highest ("liberal") – based on the government agency's recommendations* for common household sizes:
Average grocery pecker for 1 If yous're a single adult, depending on your household budget, await to spend between $175 and $345 each month on groceries.
Average grocery bill for two For a ii-developed household, the figure above will double: $350 to $690. The number goes downwards a scrap for adult-plus-child households. For ane adult and i child between 1 and 11 years old, budget for roughly $300 to $590 each month. Add together $50 to $100 more ($350 to $690) for a child between 12 and xviii.
Boilerplate grocery pecker for family of 4 Depending on your budget, grocery spending for a family of four tin require penny pinching and careful planning. Families with two adults and two children between ii and 5 years old can wait to spend between well-nigh $590 and $1,150 each calendar month. For households with two adults and two children between half-dozen and eleven years old, the number increases to $675 to $1,340.
*These numbers represent an boilerplate of the USDA recommendations. For more detailed data, including low-price and moderate plans, visit the USDA nutrient plan toll guide.
Tips for grocery shopping on a budget
Although the numbers above vary widely, they may spark the realization that yous're spending too much on groceries. And if you are, you're not alone. It's estimated that Americans are spending up to 13% of their household income on nutrient, which, at an average of $660 per person, tin add together up to a whopping $8,000 every year.ane
So how do you calibration dorsum? Here are some quick tips.
-
Plan ahead
Going to the grocery store with a plan is the best manner to continue your spending downwards. Build a grocery list by planning out your meals and store based on your favorite stores' weekly sales. (For additional tips, bank check out this quick video on how to feed your family salubrious food on a budget.) -
Avert impulse buys
1 of the fastest ways to bust your grocery upkeep is impulse buys. Stick to your grocery listing and heed the warnings when it comes to shopping when you're hungry. Studies prove you'll not only spend more,ii you'll buy higher-calorie foods,three too. -
Save with discount apps
Disbelieve apps are the new Sunday coupons. They're free (and paperless!), easy to utilise and some even give cash back. We've rounded upward some crowd favorites hither. -
Upkeep for grocery delivery fees
If you opt for grocery delivery, don't forget to factor in service fees and tips. Earlier you lot swear off the service altogether, weigh the fees confronting how much it may actually be saving you. Information technology's probable getting your groceries delivered helps you avoid impulse buys, plus you get time to comparison store and fill your cart with meal-planning ingredients. -
Take a closer wait at meal kit services
If y'all subscribe to meal kits, crunch some numbers to figure out if they're worth information technology. If they help yous avoid meals out, that can be a major plus. And, since ingredients are proportioned, they tin can also prevent you from ownership more than you demand.
 Need help budgeting? Our free budget calculator can help you effigy out where your coin is going each month. |
A trivial planning goes a long way
Food shopping on a budget can be an intimidating venture, specially if you're used to freewheeling it at the grocery shop. Simply a little planning goes a long way. In one case you know how much to upkeep for groceries, and start employing some piece of cake ways to relieve, you'll be a pro in no time.
1. Bieber, Christy. "Boilerplate nutrient spending tops ten% of income. Hither'south how to save money and still consume well." USAToday.com. https://world wide web.usatoday.com/story/coin/2020/05/01/average-food-spending-save-money/111623736/ (Accessed November. 2, 2020).
ii. Ashford, Kate. "Shopping Hungry? You'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 November. v, 2020).
three. Pittman, Genevra. "No, actually - don't shop when you lot're hungry: written report." Reuters.com. https://www.reuters.com/article/united states-shop-hungry/no-actually-dont-shop-when-youre-hungry-study-idUSBRE9450TF20130506 (Accessed November. 5, 2020).
The information in this article is provided for general education and informational purposes merely, without any limited or implied warranty of whatsoever kind, including warranties of accurateness, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose. It is non intended to be and does not establish financial, legal, tax or whatever other advice specific to you the user or anyone else. The companies and individuals (other than OneMain Fiscal'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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