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It does. I find the cost of items I normally purchase in a supermarket to be much more expensive in North Idaho than in SoCal. As a result, I've given up some things, (diet sodas).
No booze here. No eating out either. Grocery store FOOD items only: Hovers right at $200.00 per month. Single person
We're not too far off from each other on the food expenses and if I recall correctly we're in the same part of the country as well.
Of my roughly $230/month average, a good $150 of it is accounted for by the chicken breasts and 32-oz containers of Fage Greek yogurt. Also I have to buy Lactaid milk which is more expensive than "regular." And Eggland's Best eggs because they're lower in fat and cholesterol but again a little pricier.
For a retired couple, how much do you spend on food and alcohol each month, excluding eating out? We are struggling to stay within $700 per month, which seems like a lot, although we often host friends and family. Just curious what others are spending. Thanks!
I spend about $320/mo. on average for groceries and household supplies. Just for me + a spoiled dog (she costs maybe $15-$20 month?). That's an avg over 6 mos, but each month varies. I don't host parties or anything.
It's too complicated to break out household items from the groceries, so I just budget those together.
I am frugal, so I watch it. But I don't feel deprived. If I really want something, I'll get it. But when I retired, I gave up the costly gourmet cheese I liked and things like that. I could get it down more, if I tried harder.
Alcohol is expensive.
$700 for a couple, incl. alcohol and feeding others at home, is pretty frugal, seems to me.
I was curious how our grocery spending would lessen when we quit drinking at home (DH has gastritis, or something). So I tracked the last year and it was pretty even at $500 a month. What confounds me is it didn't lessen after no booze. It used to be half of our grocery bill. WTH!
Groceries are not cheaper here, since so much is imported. Some items are a lot more, since there is no Costco or Walmart, etc. $500 includes our paper products and random kitchen items, potting soil, cleaning supplies. I cook from scratch with no packaged or convenience foods.
The locals go to outdoor markets but I hate those since it's hot, full of flies and no refrigeration or ice. I'm sure I'd save a lot if I DID go to those.
Example:
Paper towels: $4
12-pack TP: $6
Almond milk: $3.50
Havarti cheese slices: $4.50
1 kilo pork loin: $12
We're in Ecuador.
Evens out 'cause our HC and property taxes are next to nothing.
Interesting that no one mentions entertaining. That can be a budget buster especially in alcohol even if guests bring a dish or a bottle of wine. Apps tend to be higher priced including cheeses, shrimp, olives. Fruit salad and baked goods for dessert. I tend to entertain 2xs per month with one huge holiday or big party 4-5 times a year. How about lunch or noshes for the bridge group or dinner for the book club?
Easier to do now that I don’t work and I like it. I let the kids take home leftovers if it’s a family party so I always make extra.
1.5 people, no pets, excluding alcohol... $600/month
restaurant food 2x a month, fast food 2x a month I want to put into other budget categories like "entertainment" and "work-related expenses". I'm not retired, but if it was important to reduce the dollar amount, I could. I prepare 86 of 90 meals at home, or at least try to.
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