Who spends the most on groceries each week (and who pays the least)? Census data has answers (2024)

FAQs

Who spends the most on groceries each week (and who pays the least)? Census data has answers? ›

California was at the top of the list for most expensive places to buy groceries, with the average household purchasing $297 worth of groceries per week. Neighboring state, Nevada follows closely behind with the average household spending $294 a week.

The average family spends about $270 at the grocery store per week, but that number increases when children are taken into account. Families with kids spend an average of $331 a week on groceries or 41% more than families without kids.

What are the average grocery and food costs in California? According to a study by the United States Census Bureau, Californians pay more for their weekly groceries than any other state. The average American family spends around $270 a week on groceries, but Californians spend nearly $298 on a weekly basis.

U.S. food prices rose by 25 percent from 2019 to 2023

Food price increases were below the 27.1-percent increase in transportation costs, but they rose faster than housing, medical care, and all other major categories.

Planning out your meals so you use all of the ingredients, both raw and cooked, plus pantry staples and frozen goods means you can make a week's worth of dinners for around $50 in groceries.

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

1. Wisconsin. HelpAdvisor determined that Wisconsin is the least expensive state for grocery shopping. Households in "The Badger State" spend an average of $221.46 on food per week — nearly $50 below the national average.

Americans spent more money at restaurants than at grocery stores in 2022, which partially can be attributed to rising food prices, a University of Cincinnati economist told Spectrum News. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans spent 20% more at restaurants than on groceries last year.

Which state has the lowest cost of living? ›

West Virginia is the cheapest state to live in the US due to its low cost of living. This affordability is primarily driven by the state's low housing costs and other economic facilities. The median home price in West Virginia is $155,400, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $930 per month.

According to several studies on cost of living, Hawaii is the most expensive U.S. state to live in. Prices are typically double in Hawaii compared to those on the mainland, and the continued rise in inflation is making costs ranging from housing to health care much more expensive.

A new study from the United States Census Bureau shows that Californians pay more for their weekly groceries than any other state, tacking on to the already costly living expenses that come along with living in the Golden State.

It happened because Bidenomics spent and printed record amounts of money over the last four years. Like any other good or service, the value of money depends on supply and demand. If there is more money in the economy than the market can absorb, its value will come crashing down, and prices will increase.

The US spends the least at 6.4%, Singapore spends the second lowest amount at 6.7%. Canada spends 9.1% on food, while Australia spends 9.8%. Nigeria spends over half of household income on food, and there are nine other countries that spend over 40% on food.

The average cost of food at home for a family of four, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), ranges from $567 to $1,296 per month, which comes out to approximately $130 to $300 per week.

By Household Size

According to the USDA guidelines, you might spend $979 a month on a thrifty plan, $1,028 on a low-cost plan, $1,252 on a moderate-cost plan and $1,604 on a liberal plan. The USDA guidelines can provide a starting point for a food budget, but they don't consider all the variables that can affect cost.

What is a realistic food budget for one person? According to USDA guidelines, one adult female should spend $73 to $113 per week. An adult male should spend $91 to $137 per week.

Your Monthly Grocery Budget

If you can reduce your budget to $400/month, you're doing great. $100 per person, per month is great too.