I’ve always considered myself to be rather unfrugal on the grocery front. We buy too much junk food and, even when I’m at the apex of couponing, we still spend over $200. In an average month, I’d say we spend $250-300.
But according to Bundle.com, we’re not that far off the mark. (All figures are for 26-35 year olds, married without kids.)
- In Phoenix, people like us spend an average of $312. On the other hand, the median (for those who hated math: the 50th percentile) was $210.
- Of course, once you go by income level, we’re back to being high spenders. In our previous income range ($20,000-40,000) the average is $184, with a median of $133.
- In Seattle, the average for all incomes is $531 (!!!) with a median of $309. This has got to do with people dedicated to organic foods and farmer’s markets. At least, I really, really hope so.
- By income level, the average is still $420, with a median of $193. (Incidentally, the 90th percentile was $1,250. Please tell me how that’s possible on $40,000 a year.)
- Finally, in the U.S. the average is $380, with a median of $219.
- In our (old) income range, it’s $315. The median is $180.
I’m honestly not sure what to make of this data. I’m trying my best to stop comparing myself to able-bodied people. It’s not fair to me.
That said, it does show that we spend more than the median in almost every case. That’s not really something a frugal person wants to hear.
So I’ll just ask you guys: What do you spend on groceries? What do you think is a fair/frugal amount? How do you stack up on Bundle?
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Our food budget is $600, which includes eating out, snacks, groceries, and also some miscellaneous stuff we get at the grocery store such as vitamins, shampoo, and cat litter. Sometimes we spend a little less, sometimes we spend a little more, but that's the amount that goes into the "food" checking account each month and so long as we don't go over we're good.
We could definitely eat cheaper if we wanted to, but that's one area we don't plan to cut to the bare minimum if we can help it. Health and taste are both very important to us, as well as staying vegan, supporting local foods, eating a fairly environmentally friendly diet, getting fair trade foods when that's an option, reducing food packaging, being able to try new foods, and also being able to go out to eat at locally-owned restaurants about once every week. Food is our thing. I know not everyone can afford to be as picky, but it works for us.
We buy a lot of fresh food and also a few pricier treats each week (Sweet & Sara handmade marshmallows, mmmmm). We don't use coupons usually, because there aren't a lot coupons for many things we buy (generics, bulk bin stuff, fresh food, local brands). We do go to a farmers' market about once a week.
It is, I must admit, A LOT less than we used to spend and on much lower quality food. I wish I knew exactly how much we used to spend on food, but that was in the days before budgets and it took us a while to reign that in. We used to eat out a lot and not just at fast food places. Plus, I ate a lot of convenience foods. We said we didn't have the time to cook, but really we just didn't know how to cook much at all, period. Fortunately, we now know how to make a lot of quick and easy stuff, as well as some recipes for when we have the time and energy to cook something a bit more complex (which we then make it bulk for the week).
Also, my husband (and I) going vegan has really helped. While somethings are more expensive (marshmallows, for example — though they're sooooo worth it), we've learned a lot of great things one can do with rice and beans (as well as other plant-based foods) and now he comes home craving that instead of steak. I never thought I'd see the day! And our local grocery store has soy milk for less than the cow milk we used to buy.
I think the important thing is that we found our balance where not only are we sticking to a budget that's reasonable for us, but we also feel like we're getting A LOT for our money and spending according to our priorities.
[Reply]
Abigail Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Meg,
I think that any one area of indulgence is more than acceptable in any frugal household. And at least yours is for a healthy tendency!
[Reply]
Abigail Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Meg,
I think that any one area of indulgence is more than acceptable in any frugal household. And at least yours is for a healthy tendency!
[Reply]
Our food budget is $600, which includes eating out, snacks, groceries, and also some miscellaneous stuff we get at the grocery store such as vitamins, shampoo, and cat litter. Sometimes we spend a little less, sometimes we spend a little more, but that's the amount that goes into the "food" checking account each month and so long as we don't go over we're good.
We could definitely eat cheaper if we wanted to, but that's one area we don't plan to cut to the bare minimum if we can help it. Health and taste are both very important to us, as well as staying vegan, supporting local foods, eating a fairly environmentally friendly diet, getting fair trade foods when that's an option, reducing food packaging, being able to try new foods, and also being able to go out to eat at locally-owned restaurants about once every week. Food is our thing. I know not everyone can afford to be as picky, but it works for us.
We buy a lot of fresh food and also a few pricier treats each week (Sweet & Sara handmade marshmallows, mmmmm). We don't use coupons usually, because there aren't a lot coupons for many things we buy (generics, bulk bin stuff, fresh food, local brands). We do go to a farmers' market about once a week.
It is, I must admit, A LOT less than we used to spend and on much lower quality food. I wish I knew exactly how much we used to spend on food, but that was in the days before budgets and it took us a while to reign that in. We used to eat out a lot and not just at fast food places. Plus, I ate a lot of convenience foods. We said we didn't have the time to cook, but really we just didn't know how to cook much at all, period. Fortunately, we now know how to make a lot of quick and easy stuff, as well as some recipes for when we have the time and energy to cook something a bit more complex (which we then make it bulk for the week).
Also, my husband (and I) going vegan has really helped. While somethings are more expensive (marshmallows, for example — though they're sooooo worth it), we've learned a lot of great things one can do with rice and beans (as well as other plant-based foods) and now he comes home craving that instead of steak. I never thought I'd see the day! And our local grocery store has soy milk for less than the cow milk we used to buy.
I think the important thing is that we found our balance where not only are we sticking to a budget that's reasonable for us, but we also feel like we're getting A LOT for our money and spending according to our priorities.
[Reply]
If we're talking about groceries only, it's usually about $100/week for our family of 4. It would be higher if we have a special event i.e. birthday party. We eat a lot of rice, noodle, pasta, bread, organic veggies & fruits, and some meat.
[Reply]
If we're talking about groceries only, it's usually about $100/week for our family of 4. It would be higher if we have a special event i.e. birthday party. We eat a lot of rice, noodle, pasta, bread, organic veggies & fruits, and some meat.
[Reply]
For two of us we usually spend about $350 for the month, that does include house things, like paper towel and shampoo though.
[Reply]
For one person, I spend around $150 a month, which I don't think is bad considering I buy a good amount of organic and lots of fresh fruits and veggies.
[Reply]
$300 for the two of us on average for food only. But we spend less than that, normally…
It all depends on what we decide to eat that week.
We USED to spend $600/month, until we realized it was going to stuff like fancy yoghurts and cheeses just for fun and we weren't really appreciating the treats.
So $150.. but it can be as low as $100 at times.
[Reply]
We spend about the same as you, $250-$300. (For 3 people + toiletries and paper products.) But we (ok, mainly me!) also eat out a lot so that affects things.
[Reply]
Our food budget is $600, which includes eating out, snacks, groceries, and also some miscellaneous stuff we get at the grocery store such as vitamins, shampoo, and cat litter. Sometimes we spend a little less, sometimes we spend a little more, but that's the amount that goes into the "food" checking account each month and so long as we don't go over we're good.
We could definitely eat cheaper if we wanted to, but that's one area we don't plan to cut to the bare minimum if we can help it. Health and taste are both very important to us, as well as staying vegan, supporting local foods, eating a fairly environmentally friendly diet, getting fair trade foods when that's an option, reducing food packaging, being able to try new foods, and also being able to go out to eat at locally-owned restaurants about once every week. Food is our thing. I know not everyone can afford to be as picky, but it works for us.
We buy a lot of fresh food and also a few pricier treats each week (Sweet & Sara handmade marshmallows, mmmmm). We don't use coupons usually, because there aren't a lot coupons for many things we buy (generics, bulk bin stuff, fresh food, local brands). We do go to a farmers' market about once a week.
It is, I must admit, A LOT less than we used to spend and on much lower quality food. I wish I knew exactly how much we used to spend on food, but that was in the days before budgets and it took us a while to reign that in. We used to eat out a lot and not just at fast food places. Plus, I ate a lot of convenience foods. We said we didn't have the time to cook, but really we just didn't know how to cook much at all, period. Fortunately, we now know how to make a lot of quick and easy stuff, as well as some recipes for when we have the time and energy to cook something a bit more complex (which we then make it bulk for the week).
Also, my husband (and I) going vegan has really helped. While somethings are more expensive (marshmallows, for example — though they're sooooo worth it), we've learned a lot of great things one can do with rice and beans (as well as other plant-based foods) and now he comes home craving that instead of steak. I never thought I'd see the day! And our local grocery store has soy milk for less than the cow milk we used to buy.
I think the important thing is that we found our balance where not only are we sticking to a budget that's reasonable for us, but we also feel like we're getting A LOT for our money and spending according to our priorities.
[Reply]
We budget $480 a month for 5 but it's tough to not overspend. We eat very little processed food, and not all that much meat, but our budget also includes toiletries, toilet paper (no more paper towels), wine for my husband and myself, and coffee. Our one "junk" item is ramen noodles for the kids. Not all that healthy, but inexpensive and comfort food for them. They probably eat them 2-3 times per week.
[Reply]
For one person, I spend around $150 a month, which I don't think is bad considering I buy a good amount of organic and lots of fresh fruits and veggies.
[Reply]
Do remember this detail: Frugal families will have higher grocery bills but smaller restaurant / dining out bills. That's why the "average spending" reports will be skewed.
[Reply]