Average Cost of Food Per Month Will Scare You

Americans spend more than 6% of their annual income on food every year. For one person to eat on a "moderate" budget, it costs $3,000 per year, or almost $250 per month. It costs a family of four between $712 and $1,106 per month for groceries.

Keep reading to learn more shocking statistics about the cost of food in the U.S. today.

Average Grocery Expenditures

• How much does the average family spend on food per month?
  The average 2-person family on a "moderate" budget spends $554 per month on food. The average 4-person family with 2 toddlers on a "moderate" budget spends $712 per month. Because teens tend to eat more, the average family with 2 teenagers spends an average of $1,106 per month.

• How much is the average cost of food per person per month?
  On average, it costs one person on a moderate budget $244 per month to eat.

• How much of the average American's income is spent on food annually?
  The average American spends 6.4% of their income on food per year. The U.S. is one of only 10 countries with a percentage this low.

• How much of the average American's income is spent on dining out annually?
  On average, Americans spend 5% of their total annual income on dining out.

  If you're trying to eat out less, consider a meal delivery service such as Home Chef.

• How much does the average family spend on housing per month?
  According to the Federal Reserve Bureau, Americans spend an average $1,088 per month on housing payments. This takes into account the average $758 mortgage payment along with homeowner's insurance and real estate taxes.

• How much does the average family spend on transportation per month?
  On average, families spend $754 per month on transportation. This includes car payments, gas, and car maintenance.

• How much does the average family spend on healthcare per month?
  The average family spends $385 per month on healthcare costs. This includes insurance premiums, co-pays, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Breaking Down Food Expenditures

• How much does the average family spend on food at home per month?
  The average family spends $350 per month on food at home. This includes convenience foods that are prepared at home.

• How much does the average family spend on food away from home per month?
  The average family spends $262 per month eating out. This includes fast food and fancier restaurants. On average, that's about $3,000 eating away from home per year.

• How much does a family of 2 spend on groceries?
  A family of 2 (male and female) between the ages of 19-50 spends an average of $511 per month on groceries. A family of 2 (male and female) between the ages of 51-70 spends an average of $484 per month on groceries.

• How much does a family of 4 spend on groceries?
  The average family of 4 with toddlers spends an average of $802 per month on groceries. The average family with 2 children ages 4-18 spends an average of $964 per month on groceries.

• How much does a family of 5 spend on groceries?
  The average family of 5 spends $1,156 per month on groceries. For each additional child, it costs an average of 20% more in food expenses.

• How much does the average person spend on food per day?
  The average adult spends $8 per day on food.

Shopping for Groceries

• How many Americans shop more than once a week for groceries?
  36% of Americans hit the grocery store more than one time per week.

• How many Americans shop once a week for groceries?
  Almost 50% of Americans shop once a week for groceries. This habit is linked to lower grocery spending and it allows for fewer impulse buys.

• How many Americans shop once or twice a month for groceries?
  15% of Americans are able to grocery shop just once or twice a month.

• How many people order their groceries online?
  Just 16% of Americans shop for their groceries online despite the many choices available today. Of those who do shop online, the majority only do so once or twice a month. Only 1% of Americans shop online once a week for groceries.

Creating a Grocery Budget

• How much should a family of 2 spend on groceries per month?
  A family of two between the ages of 19-50 should spend between $381 and $758 on groceries per month.

• How much should a family of 4 with toddlers spend on groceries per month?
  Families of 4 with toddlers should aim to spend between $585 and $1,140 on groceries every month.

• How much should a family of 4 with teens spend on groceries per month?
  Families with teens often have higher grocery bills. Aim for a bill between $714 and $1,407 per month if you have teens at home.

Saving on Groceries

• What are the top influential factors for shoppers while grocery shopping?
  Consumers care the most about getting a good value for the money they spend at the grocery store. A close second is the actual cost of the products. Consumers appreciate sales and coupons, helping them to save on the high price of groceries.
  Tip: Chase Savings Coupon
  

• How many shoppers view grocery store circulars online?
  62% of shoppers use some type of device to view grocery store circulars. More than half of shoppers also view the store's offerings online before heading to the store.

• How many shoppers use digital coupons for grocery shopping?
  More than half of shoppers also look for coupons online before grocery shopping.

Tip: Looking for more savings? Don't miss out on what cash-back apps can offer when buying from your favorite markets online.

Bottom Line

Groceries today take up a good portion of a family's income. Learning how to budget, look online for deals, and find digital coupons can help reduce the burden.

Sources and References:

• USDA
  
• Gallup
  
• Nielsen
  
• Market Track
  
• World Economic Forum