Grocery Budget Calculator
How much should your household spend on groceries? Based on USDA food plans.
Updated October 2026Enter your household and get a realistic monthly grocery budget, anchored on the USDA Official Food Plans and adjusted for your budget style and cost of living. No sign-up, instant results.
Recommended grocery budget
$638 / month
Spending by category
How much do groceries cost? (USDA food plans)
The USDA publishes four monthly food-cost plans. Here is what each implies for a family of four (two adults, two children) in an average-cost area:
| USDA plan | Monthly (family of 4) |
|---|---|
| Thrifty (tightest budget) | $840 |
| Low-cost | $1,050 |
| Moderate-cost | $1,334 |
| Liberal (most generous) | $1,596 |
Estimates based on USDA Official Food Plans (representative 2024 figures). Actual costs vary by location, ages, and shopping habits. For guidance only.
Food spending tools
Grocery Budget: Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on groceries per month?
It depends on household size, ages, and where you live. As a benchmark, the USDA low-cost food plan works out to roughly $290 per adult and $235 per child each month. A family of four typically lands between $800 (thrifty) and $1,500 (liberal) per month.
What are the USDA food plans?
The USDA publishes four monthly food cost plans: Thrifty (the tightest, used to set SNAP benefits), Low-cost, Moderate-cost, and Liberal. They estimate what a nutritious diet costs at different spending levels, by age and sex.
How can I lower my grocery bill?
Plan meals around what is on sale, buy store brands, compare unit prices (price per ounce, not per package), cook in batches, limit pre-packaged and snack items, and shop with a list to avoid impulse buys. Switching from the moderate to the low-cost plan can save a family of four over $250 a month.
Does this calculator include eating out?
No. It estimates groceries (food prepared at home) only, in line with the USDA food plans. Restaurant and takeout spending is a separate line in your budget.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not tax, legal, or financial advice.