How Much Americans Actually Spend on Food Each Month

There are several estimates of how much everyday Americans spend, but these figures can vary widely based on location, shopping habits, and the types of purchases made. In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average annual expenditure on food was $9,986, or approximately $832 per month. Two years later, inflation has likely increased that number to over $10,000.

Again, this number can vary widely. It’s wise to use these numbers as a barometer of where you sit based on your food spending habits.

The WorkMoney team is here to help readers understand if they are on track with their spending and what they can do to help bring it down without major sacrifices.

• Deeper Dive: Food Costs by Household Size (USDA Estimates)

  The costs listed above are estimates for households with four people. Here are more specific estimates for the cost of feeding someone based on age, gender, and budget on a weekly basis in April 2025, according to the USDA.

  This chart is a great way to map your spending each week and month based on your available budget. And if your available budget isn’t meeting those needs, you may consider looking into assistance programs like SNAP or WIC.

• Age	Low-Cost Plan Weekly	Low-Cost Plan Monthly	Moderate-Cost Plan Weekly	Moderate-Cost Plan Monthly	Liberal Plan Weekly	Liberal Plan Monthly
  Child:
  1 year	$36.20	$156.90	$40.90	$177.00	$49.70	$215.30
  2-3 years	$38.00	$164.90	$45.80	$198.40	$55.70	$241.50
  4-5 years	$39.50	$171.00	$48.60	$210.60	$59.10	$256.00
  6-8 years	$57.10	$247.40	$67.00	$290.20	$78.40	$339.90
  9-11 years	$59.90	$259.70	$76.80	$332.60	$89.50	$387.70
  Female:
  12-13 years	$59.50	$258.00	$70.60	$306.00	$88.30	$382.40
  14-18 years	$59.90	$259.50	$71.50	$309.80	$88.30	$382.80
  19-50 years	$61.10	$264.90	$74.40	$322.20	$94.70	$410.30
  51-70 years	$59.40	$257.40	$73.30	$317.70	$87.90	$380.80
  71+ years	$59.30	$257.00	$72.70	$315.00	$86.70	$375.60
  Male:
  12-13 years	$70.10	$303.70	$86.90	$376.40	$101.80	$441.10
  14-18 years	$71.40	$309.20	$89.30	$387.00	$103.90	$450.00
  19-50 years	$70.40	$304.90	$88.30	$382.80	$107.50	$465.70
  51-70 years	$66.00	$286.10	$83.10	$360.00	$98.90	$428.70
  71+ years	$65.60	$284.20	$80.40	$348.40	$98.90	$428.40

• Why Food Costs Can Vary So Much

  No two people have the same food expenses. Several variables make the monthly expense fluctuate, including:

  • Dietary Habits: Organic, specialty, and meat-heavy diets usually cost more than conventional, plant-based options. If you’re looking to save, consider going meatless. A recent press release from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine said going vegan could save up to $650 per year.

  • Location: Food prices vary by state, city, and even neighborhood based on the cost of living and store access. You can get a sense of how much groceries cost in your state here.

  • Shopping Habits: Where and how you shop—discount stores vs. specialty markets, use of sales and coupons—affects your bill.

  • Cooking vs. Dining Out: Eating out costs significantly more than cooking at home, especially over time.

  • Food Waste: Spoiled groceries and uneaten leftovers mean wasted money. Meal planning can help reduce this.

  • Economic Factors: Inflation, supply chain issues, and weather events can all raise food prices unexpectedly.

• Strategies to Take Control of Your Food Spending

  Meal Plan

  Start by creating weekly menus and detailed shopping lists. Planning your meals helps you avoid impulse buys and ensures you only purchase what you need. It also makes cooking less stressful and helps you make the most of ingredients throughout the week.

  Shop Smart

  Be a savvy shopper by comparing prices between stores and opting for seasonal produce, which tends to be fresher and cheaper. Take advantage of loyalty programs and coupons to get discounts, and consider buying non-perishable items in bulk to reduce costs over time.

  Consider using Upside to earn cash back on purchases you would normally make, and Instacart for specials to have your groceries delivered.

  Cook at Home More

  Home-cooked meals are generally healthier and much more budget-friendly compared to dining out or ordering takeout. Plus, cooking can be a fun way to try new recipes and improve your culinary skills.

  Track Your Spending By Budgeting

  Keeping track of what you spend on food helps you stay aware of your habits and identify areas where you can cut back. Use budgeting apps or simple spreadsheets to record purchases and analyze your food expenses regularly. Additionally, set a target amount for your food spending that fits your lifestyle and income. Having a clear budget helps you make mindful choices and stick to your goals without feeling deprived.

• American Household Grocery Bill Data

  At the time of publishing this article, we don’t have official data yet for 2024, so we’re going off 2023 numbers. So for each of these numbers, estimate just slightly higher to account for modest inflation in the last two years.

  Here’s what the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows from 2023, and how that has increased in recent years.

  From 2020 to 2023, food expenses went up a whopping 36%. This means that since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Americans are likely now spending 40% more on food compared to just five years ago. So if you see your grocery bill rising, it’s not just you.