What is the Average Grocery Bill for 2 in 2022?

There are certain expenses you can avoid, but there’s no way around buying food – and it can get expensive.

It’s hard to know if you’re spending too much on groceries. We break down how much two people should spend on groceries below, along with some easy ways to save.

How much is an average grocery bill for two?

To figure out how much you should be spending on groceries for two, start with the USDA’s food plan cost guide. The monthly guide breaks offers three plans according to your budget (low, moderate and liberal) and the age and sex of household members.

Here’s an idea – based on USDA averages – of what you should be spending every month on groceries for two adults (average costs might be lower if one of the household members is a child):

Monthly Average Grocery Bill for Two Adults
Low-Cost Plan
Age of Adults	19-50	51-70	71+
Monthly Cost	$512.50	$490.10	$474.50
Moderate-Cost Plan
Age of Adults	19-50	51-70	71+
Monthly Cost	$633.20	$612.20	$599.80
Liberal Plan
Age of Adults	19-50	51-70	71+
Monthly Cost	$791.50	$740.40	$731.60

Need help budgeting? Our free budget calculator can help you figure out where your money is going each month.

What is the weekly average grocery bill for two?

The USDA food plan cost guide can help you figure out a weekly grocery budget for two as well. Here’s a quick overview:

Weekly Average Grocery Bill for Two Adults
Low-Cost Plan
Age of Adults	19-50	51-70	71+
Weekly Cost	$118.20	$113.10	$111.50
Moderate-Cost Plan
Age of Adults	19-50	51-70	71+
Weekly Cost	$146.20	$141.30	$138.40
Liberal Plan
Age of Adults	19-50	51-70	71+
Weekly Cost	$182.70	$170.80	$168.90

Is the average grocery bill for 2 on the rise?

Yes. In fact, groceries for households of all sizes are on the rise. Fueled by record inflation, groceries have increased 10% since March 2021 and prices are likely to go up even more.¹ But you don’t need to resign yourself to an pricey food budget for two. As you’ll see below, there’s lots of easy ways to save.

How can couples save on their grocery bill?

Your grocery bill for two doesn’t have to drain your bank account. And gone are the days of coupon clipping. Here are some quick tips to help trim down your grocery budget:

• Meal plan
  “Meal planning” isn’t just a buzzword. Doing it will really help you save. Without a plan, you’re likely to end up with a random assortment of food that may not add up to much.

• Check your supplies
  Before you make your shopping list, check your pantry, fridge and freezer to see what you already have. There’s no need to buy extra pasta – or milk or broccoli – if you already have some.

• Make a list – and stick to it
  Speaking of shopping lists, when you make one, stick to it. It may take some practice, but your bottom line will thank you.

• Utilize store rewards and apps
  Thanks to store rewards programs and apps, you can leave paper coupons behind. Watch grocery savings go up once you scan your rewards card. And apps like Ibotta, Coupons.com and Fetch offer cash back.

• Keep an open mind
  That means trying out different grocery stores for deals. And buying generic when possible. (Store brands usually wind up tasting just as good!) Finding spoiled produce in your fridge? Give frozen and canned fruits and vegetables a chance, too. They last longer – and are sometimes cheaper than fresh.

• Don’t shop hungry
  Shopping hungry is never a win for your grocery budget. You’ll come home with a lot of snacks, open packages and a gaping hole in your wallet.

Groceries for two doesn’t need to break the bank

As you’ve learned, there are ways to stay within your food budget for two without going hungry. Even with prices on the rise, you can stay in control of how much you spend by applying some savvy shopping and planning tips. It’s how you keep your cabinets and your bank account fully stocked.

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1. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/12/how-much-grocery-prices-increased-as-inflation-reaches-41-year-high.html