Average Grocery Cost Per Person Monthly 2026: USDA Food Plans
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Survey
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
All figures are estimates based on publicly available data. Use the linked calculators to model your own situation.
Related Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should one person spend on groceries monthly in 2026?▼
Using the 2026 USDA plans, a single adult can reasonably spend $285–$320 on the Thrifty Plan, $360–$410 on Low-Cost, $445–$505 on Moderate, and $560–$630 on the Liberal Plan, depending on age and gender.
What do the four USDA food plans actually mean?▼
The Thrifty Plan is the SNAP baseline with near-total scratch cooking. Low-Cost and Moderate add gradually more convenience and variety. The Liberal Plan allows for premium ingredients, more seafood and organic items, and a more relaxed shopping approach.
How can I reduce my grocery bill without eating poorly?▼
Meal plan, build a shopping list, switch to store brands where taste is equivalent, buy staples in bulk, freeze sale proteins, and separate household supplies from true food spending in your tracking.
Do grocery costs vary much by state?▼
Yes, typically by 15-25% between the least and most expensive states. Hawaii and Alaska are outliers; the South and Midwest offer the most affordable baseline grocery baskets.