How to Create—and Stick to—a Grocery Budget for Two

It's no secret that the cost of groceries has drastically increased in recent years. When the price of eggs becomes fodder for memes, it's clear the struggle is real! That's why it's more important than ever to establish (and try to stick to!) a grocery budget for two. But how much should a couple budget for groceries?

It's helpful to have a starting point when having money conversations, especially if you combine finances. So if the two of you are about to discuss your grocery budget, you've come to the right place. Here, we'll share our tips for establishing a budget, ensuring it's reasonable and sticking to it—all while eating food you enjoy.

In this article:

• How Much Should a Couple Budget for Groceries?
• How to Build a Grocery Budget for Two
• How to Stick to a Grocery Budget for Two

How Much Should a Couple Budget for Groceries?

The amount of money the two of you budget for groceries will depend on lots of different things. The biggest factor? The cost of living in your area. "According to the USDA's most recent Cost of Food Report, the average couple grocery budget for two adults in the United States typically ranges between $600 and $800 per month," says Alexander Ketter, consumer expert at Coupons.com. Using that as a benchmark, you and your partner can work together to establish a budget that takes into account your dietary preferences and your unique needs and priorities.

In short, a national average is just that: an average. There are plenty of couples who choose to spend much more than that, through prioritizing organic food, avoiding eating out or purchasing more expensive food like seafood and certain cuts of meat. And there are other couples who decide to eat thrifty meals in order to divert more of their money elsewhere, like affordable dates or paying down debt.

Another major factor to consider when nailing down your grocery budget is your income. Start with your current salaries or income, then ask yourself if anything will change that could impact your budget. One of you may want to take a side job to boost income. Or one of you might stay home with a child for a period of time if you start a family. These things can impact income, which could mean you'll have to change your grocery budget down the line.

---

FOR YOU

Sexting 101 (To Keep You From Feeling Awkward as Hell)

Hit send on the spiciest of texts with confidence.

118 Good Night Texts to Wish Your Partner Sweet Dreams

Let them know that they're the last thing on your mind before dreamland.

These Are the Best Cooking Classes for Couples

What's more romantic than learning a useful skill together?

How to Build a Grocery Budget for Two

But for now, it's time to build a budget for the two of you with the income you have today. There are a number of different approaches when it comes to grocery shopping on a budget for two. "Creating a realistic grocery budget as a couple involves open communication and collaboration," Ketter says. Whether you choose to use a budget app, a spreadsheet or write your budget on paper, there are a few steps you can take to build a couple's grocery budget.

Step One: Review Your Income

Take a look at your combined income and allocate a reasonable percentage toward groceries, Ketter says. One popular method for distributing income is the 50/30/20 method, where 50% of your money goes toward needs (groceries would belong in this category), 30% toward wants and 20% toward debts.

Step Two: Track Your Spending

The best way to build a basic grocery list for two is to look backward. Print out bank statements for the past several months (we suggest six months, if possible) and analyze how much you've spent on groceries over that period of time. From there, you can work together to decide whether you need to cut back or if you've been spending a reasonable amount on groceries.

Step Three: Decide What Counts as Groceries

These days, you can get almost anything at a grocery store. But things like beauty products, house plants, greeting cards and even clothing items can really take a bite out of your grocery budget. Together, decide how you'll deal with these incidentals. Below, we've listed some ways to account for these items:

• Set aside a small amount each month specifically for impulse buys.
• Separate health and beauty items entirely from your grocery budget.
• Challenge yourself to avoid purchasing non-food items at a grocery store.
• If you purchase household items from a warehouse store like Costco, consider creating a separate budget for those trips.

Step Four: Plan Meals

Once you've agreed on a monthly grocery budget for two, decide how that money is spent. "Planning meals together can help minimize food waste and reduce impulse buys, and help you stay on budget," Ketter says.

How to Stick to a Grocery Budget for Two

And now for the hard part: sticking to your budget! Sticking to a grocery budget requires planning and discipline, but it doesn't have to be a huge chore every time you walk into the grocery store. Ketter shares a few simple strategies that can make it much easier to adhere to your grocery budget.

• Shop with a list.
• Try to shop for groceries only once each week. Subsequent trips to the store can sabotage your grocery budget.
• Set weekly spending limits.
• Explore cost-effective meal options, like batch cooking or using ingredients for more than one recipe.
• Use coupons for items you buy often.
• Choose store brands over brand-name products.
• Buy frequently used items in bulk at warehouse stores like Costco or Sam's Club.
• Take advantage of loyalty programs, where you can save not only on groceries, but on gas as well.