Grocery Budget Calculator
Enter how many people are in each USDA age and sex group, then choose a plan. The result uses the USDA’s August 2026 figures and its household-size adjustment.
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How it works
Each USDA age-sex group has a monthly cost per plan. Total = (sum of each person’s monthly cost) × household-size factor. The factor comes straight from the USDA report: 1-person—add 20 percent; 2-person—add 10 percent; 3-person—add 5 percent; 4-person—no adjustment; 5- or 6-person—subtract 5 percent; 7-(or more) person—subtract 10 percent.
Worked example
Two adults aged 19-50, one female and one male, on the Moderate-Cost plan: $336.10 + $398.10 = $734.20. A 2-person household adds 10 percent, so $734.20 × 1.10 = $807.62a month. The figures are from the USDA’s August 2026 report.
Limits
These are national averages for food prepared at home, not a prediction of your store prices. Costs are rounded by USDA to the nearest 10 cents, so a family total can differ from the USDA’s own published total by a few cents. For tips on spending less, see how to save money on groceries.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the numbers come from?
The USDA’s August 2026 food plan cost reports (issued September 2026). They are U.S. averages for food prepared at home, updated monthly with Consumer Price Index data.
What are the four plans?
Thrifty, Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost and Liberal. The USDA describes them as nutritious diets at four different cost levels, all assuming that meals and snacks are prepared at home.
Why does the total change with household size?
USDA’s costs are for individuals in 4-person households. Its adjustment for other sizes: 1-person—add 20 percent; 2-person—add 10 percent; 3-person—add 5 percent; 4-person—no adjustment; 5- or 6-person—subtract 5 percent; 7-(or more) person—subtract 10 percent. This tool sums each person, then applies the factor for the number of people.
Does it include restaurants or takeout?
No. USDA’s plans assume all meals and snacks are prepared at home.
Why do some age groups look different between plans?
USDA’s Thrifty report uses 14-19 and 20-50 year bands for teens and adults; the other three plans use 14-18 and 19-50. The tool shows the right label for the plan you choose.
Is this what I must spend?
No. It is a USDA benchmark, not a rule. Your prices, diet and local costs differ. Use it as a starting point for your own budget.
Sources
- Official USDA Thrifty Food Plan: U.S. Average, August 2026 (checked October 16, 2026)
- Official USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home at Three Levels, U.S. Average, August 2026 (checked October 16, 2026)