Average cost of groceries

[cypher1]

So 5 weeks ago I cut down on significantly eating out, and doing more cooking/baking about 5-6 days each week. I still eat out at times during the weekends, but have become more selective. Also cut out soda, fast food, and most snacks, replacing with more water, veggies/fruits.

I was just curious what others are paying roughly each month for groceries. Being a single guy with no kids vs a family of 4 for example, will vary the costs, but am still curious. So far I think spend about 220-250 in food.

I admit my primary reason for eating at home was for saving money, and health secondary. While it's still too early to tell, I'm not sure if I'm really seeing much savings different at the moment. I think a lot of that is due to buying more meats/fish in bulk at Costco, and initial costs of spices, and other cooking ingredients. At the same time I realize my health should ultimately be the higher priority in terms of investment for myself.

[rennigade]

We buy most of our food from costco. We do occasionally have to go to the grocery store.

On average we spend around $350/month at costco and around $100 at the grocery store. I eat a lot of food and we still keep it under $500/month. This isnt "cheap" food either. Lots of veggies, fruits, and meat/fish products. nom nom nom. Very rarely do we dine out...minus vacations then we splurge.

edt: this is for 2 people.

[dawnwes]

We buy most of our food from costco. We do occasionally have to go to the grocery store.

On average we spend around $350/month at costco and around $100 at the grocery store. I eat a lot of food and we still keep it under $500/month. This isnt "cheap" food either. Lots of veggies, fruits, and meat/fish products. nom nom nom. Very rarely do we dine out...minus vacations then we splurge.

I think you need to specify how many you are talking about feeding with that amount.

[dawnwes]

We eat mostly Costco as well, family of 5, two teen boys and a pre-teen boy.

We spend roughly $600/month on food. We spend another $100 (at Costco) on dog food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.

We also eat out at least once per week.

[rennigade]

I think you need to specify how many you are talking about feeding with that amount.

Good point. Thats for 2 of us.

[tripods68]

Our budget (4 family + in-law) a month.
Groceries $700 (Winco/Costco/Grocery Outlet/WalMart)
Toiletries + Vitamins $200
Restaurant $100
Total $1000

[LuckyRobin]

We spend about $600 a month on groceries for a family of 4. I buy a lot of organics though. Without them I think we'd spend about $300 a month. I also garden and can the produce quite heavily and we raise some animals for food, buy 1/4 of a beef and a share of a hog from time to time. So my food costs are probably atypical.

[marvholly]

I am also a single person household. i spend $20-25/week.
that does NOT include any meals out which comes out of my 'fun' money.

I, rarely, spend an added $10 or so for a really GREAT sale on meat and/or fish but have NOT done so in sevral months.

[phantom]

My family of 3 (2 adults, 1 baby) spends $350/month on groceries. That includes the handful of solids we feed the baby, but excludes the formula we give her. We typically eat out (at a restaurant, someone else's house, or somewhere else outside our grocery budget) 2-5 times a month.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

$500-600/month family of 4.

[cypher1]

I buy a lot of organics though. Without them I think we'd spend about $300 a month. I also garden and can the produce quite heavily and we raise some animals for food, buy 1/4 of a beef and a share of a hog from time to time. So my food costs are probably atypical.

This could even be a separate thread, but what types of food do you or other people go organic with and why?

While right now I'm focusing on a routine for home meals/menu, not really concerned on a quality of foods...yet. Also cost is a big factor, but open to different opinions on this topic.

[LuckyRobin]

Cypher1, to answer your question: We just feel it is better for our health, better for the health of the animals who are generally raised in superior conditions, and safer. My mother worked in an orchard that was sprayed with DDT when she was pregnant with me. I was born with health problems and she got cancer. My dad also worked in that orchard and he developed a leaking muscle disease similar to MS. DDT was considered safe at the time. It no longer is. And it causes cancer and other MS type diseases. I would just rather avoid adding anymore chemicals to my life than I have to. GMO's are considered safe in this country, but not in many others. It will probably come out in future decades that it is unsafe. I'd rather not take that chance. If it is organic it can't be GMO by law.

[WhiskeyGirl]

This is an area I am working on.

So far this month I have spent $413.64 in groceries. This is with shopping sales, and using coupons.

I am generally feeding two teenagers, preschooler and adult. Weekends add another adult, who generally supplies the meat.

I just can't get this expense down.

[marvholly]

So far this month I have spent $110. Not bad but I feel like it is since I had to go into 'extra' money on Fri.

I am WAAAY ($8) over budget on groceries so far this month BUT I bought a LOT of protein: Burgers (8 servings), tilapia (6 servings), eggs (12 servings), beef shanks (4 servings) and chicken legs (4 servings).

I may spend another bunch if I can find a deal on diet Sierra Mist cranberry (my fav).

[kork13]

My family of 3 (2 adults, 1 baby) spends $350/month on groceries. That includes the handful of solids we feed the baby, but excludes the formula we give her. We typically eat out (at a restaurant, someone else's house, or somewhere else outside our grocery budget) 2-5 times a month.

This is actually our exact situation as well.... 2 adults + 1 breastfed 5 month old, spend about $350/mo on groceries. I cook most of our meals at home, and only eat out 2-4 times a month (another $100-$150). Also, we make a strong effort to eat alot of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Not perfectly, of course, but I love to cook, so it's easier to control just how healthy (or unhealthy) we eat.

To be a better comparison for you, before I got married 1.5 years ago, I was spending about $150/mo, plus about $100/mo eating out.