How Much Should I Spend on Food? Key Monthly Budgeting Tips
Groceries are one of those expenses that always seem to creep up, especially when prices rise faster than paychecks. Whether you live alone or share a kitchen, knowing what's normal to spend can help you stay in control and keep essentials covered — even when payday feels far away.
This guide explains how much of your monthly income should go toward total food expenses — this includes groceries, dining out, and takeout — and ways to bridge the gap if you're short. But first, here's a primer on what food actually costs so you can envision a successful food budget per month.
Knowing average food costs in America
Understanding typical food spending can help you gauge whether your grocery bills are reasonable. According to the USDA Thrifty Food Plan (December 2025), adults following a basic home-cooking plan spend approximately $246.50 (women, 20-50 years) and $309.20 (men; 20-50 years) per month on groceries.
But takeout and eating out can increase costs significantly. According to a recent US Spending Trends Report, an average American may spend anywhere from about $50 to up to $200 monthly on takeout and restaurants, depending on their age and income.
Breaking this down into practical numbers, if you're spending $250 monthly on food overall, that's roughly $8 daily, or $40 weekly. Your actual number may be higher or lower depending on how often you order in, but knowing your weekly rhythm can help you plan ahead and spot opportunities to save.
And that’s the real question — what is the right amount for your income and lifestyle? While everyone’s budget looks a little different, it helps to have a simple benchmark to understand where food fits into the bigger picture.
And that’s the real question — what is the right amount for your income and lifestyle? While everyone’s budget looks a little different, it helps to have a simple benchmark to understand where food fits into the bigger picture.
How much of your income should go to food?
The popular 50-30-20 budgeting rule provides helpful guidance for food spending. Under this framework, food falls into your "needs" category alongside housing and transportation. Financial experts recommend keeping your total food budget — groceries plus dining — under 15% of your take-home pay.
Here's how different income levels can translate into food budgets:
Monthly take-home | 10% food budget | 15% food budget |
|---|---|---|
$2,800 | $280 | $420 |
$3,200 | $320 | $480 |
$4,000 | $400 | $600 |
Remember, these percentages offer flexibility based on your lifestyle. If you cook more at home, your food percentage could drop below 10%. If you dine out often, you might aim to cap it at 15% to 18% to maintain balance in your overall budget.
The key is finding what works for your situation. Someone who meal preps every Sunday might spend 8% on food, while someone who values restaurant experiences might allocate closer to 15% — both approaches can work when planned intentionally.
What people in different cities budget for food
Location can shape your food budget just as much as income. Food costs vary significantly across the country and understanding your local market can help set realistic expectations.
Here's how food budgets differ across cities for people earning about $3,200 monthly, based on EarnIn's budget calculator1:
(Average monthly expenses for one person; approx. $3,200 take-home income)
Los Angeles, CA (ZIP 90026)
- Housing: $850
- Transportation: $448
- Food: $415
- Healthcare: $365
- Savings: $137
Insight: In this ZIP, most of your income goes to rent and it’s normal for food and savings to feel tighter. Understanding your patterns can help you plan ahead.
Atlanta, GA (ZIP 30309)
- Housing: $804
- Transportation: $416
- Food: $411
- Healthcare: $339
- Savings: $226
Insight: Food spending matches national averages in the Atlanta metro area. So if you live here, there is little more room to spend on eating out without dipping into savings.
Minneapolis, MN (ZIP 55408)
- Housing: $783
- Transportation: $413
- Food: $424
- Healthcare: $323
- Savings: $249
Insight: Grocery costs rise in winter, and delivery spending increases when temperatures drop. Food can average about 13% of income.
Denver, CO (ZIP 80205)
- Housing: $851
- Transportation: $413
- Food: $474
- Healthcare: $346
- Savings: $195
Insight: In this growing city, food spending is nearly 15% of income, though you can cut costs with home-cooked meals or cheaper takeout options.
Tampa, FL (ZIP 33606)
- Housing: $822
- Transportation: $419
- Food: $411
- Healthcare: $362
- Savings: $168
Insight: Lower grocery prices and easy access to local produce can keep costs steady, though tight saving margins limit flexibility.
Alton Bay, New Hampshire (ZIP 03810)
- Housing — $896
- Transportation — $400
- Food — $434
- Healthcare — $378
- Savings — $130
Insight: High housing costs in this small lake town leave less room for savings. Even small changes in food spending habits can make an impact.
Urbana, Ohio (ZIP 43078)
- Housing — $719
- Transportation — $387
- Food — $459
- Healthcare — $346
- Savings — $271
Insight: With moderate housing costs but slightly higher food spending, knowing your grocery and dining-out pattern can help you protect the room you have for savings.
Food typically takes 12%–15% of income across these cities, helping to show how location and lifestyle can make a difference in costs. Housing costs and local food prices can create unique challenges in each area.
Check costs where you live using EarnIn's budget calculator.1 It estimates average monthly expenses based on your income and ZIP code.
Smart ways to help keep food costs under control
Managing your food budget doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality or enjoyment. Small adjustments can create significant savings without major lifestyle changes.
Start by cooking at home more often — even one fewer takeout meal per week can save roughly $40-$60 monthly. Planning "eat-in weeks" can help you treat dining out as a special occasion rather than a routine. When you do cook, prepare meals in batches and freeze leftover portions so you have convenient options that rival takeout's speed.
Technology can help, too. Check loyalty apps from your favorite grocers and cafés. Many now offer cash back or points that add up over time. Combining store promotions, manufacturer coupons, and app deals can reduce grocery bills by upwards of 30%.
Finding a balance can be important. If you really enjoy dining out, work to adjust other spending areas instead of cutting all restaurant visits. Your budget should support your lifestyle, not fight against it. For more money-saving strategies, check out how to save money on food.
Also consider these practical tactics:
- Create a seven-day meal rotation to simplify planning. Shop with a list based on that rotation.
- Track your per-serving costs by dividing your grocery receipt total by the number of meals it creates — aim for under $6 to $8 per home-cooked meal.
When your food budget and payday don't align
Sometimes your grocery list hits before your paycheck does — and skipping meals isn't an option. Life doesn't always follow a perfect schedule, and neither do your expenses.
When timing creates a gap between your needs and your next paycheck, having options helps. EarnIn's Cash Out2 lets you get up to $150/day, with a max of $1,000 between paydays from your earned wages — no interest or mandatory fees, with the option to tip3 what you think is fair. There's no credit check or impact to your credit score, and you can get cash in 1–2 business days.
Need your money now? With Lightning Speed4, you can get your money in minutes — even on weekends and holidays — for a small fee (starting at $3.99).
EarnIn's not about spending more on food; it's about staying steady when timing gets tricky. Having access to money you've already earned means you can stick to your meal plan and budget with less stress.
Keeping dinner — and your peace of mind — on track
You should be able to enjoy your food, not stress about it. By setting a budget range that fits your income, cooking more at home, and using tools that give you flexibility when you need it, you can keep both your meals and your money in balance.
Think of it this way: The goal isn't perfection — it’s progress. Start by calculating your current food spending percentage. Compare it to the recommended 10%-15% range. If you're over, identify one change to make this month, whether that's meal planning, using grocery apps, or cutting back on delivery orders.
Don't forget to check what's typical in your city with EarnIn's budget calculator1 and learn more about Cash Out2, to make room in your budget for the things that matter most.
FAQs
How much of your income should go toward food?
Aim for 10%-15% of your take-home pay for all food expenses, including groceries and dining out. Lower incomes might need slightly higher percentages.
What's a realistic food budget per month for one person?
Single adults typically spend $500 to $650 monthly on food (including groceries, dining out, and takeout), though cooking at home can bring this down to $250 to $400.
How can you reduce food costs without giving up eating out?
Cut one restaurant meal weekly and reinvest those savings into higher-quality ingredients for home cooking. Consider restaurant loyalty programs and happy hour specials when you do dine out.
What's the difference between food and grocery spending?
Grocery spending covers ingredients and items from stores; food spending includes groceries, plus restaurant meals, takeout, and delivery services.
How can you plan your food budget if you get paid weekly?
Divide your monthly food target by 4.3 (average weeks per month) to get your weekly budget. Set aside this amount each payday for consistent coverage.
Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.
This Blog was sponsored by EarnIn. While the author received compensation, the information shared is grounded in independent research and intended to provide helpful and accurate guidance to readers.
EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by our bank partners on certain products other than Cash Out.
1The calculations provided are based on estimates and should be used for informational purposes only. Please be aware that comparisons may not be 100% accurate. The insights and data presented do not constitute financial advice, and we recommend consulting with a qualified financial advisor for personalized guidance.
2EarnIn determines your daily and pay period limits (“Daily Max” and “Pay Period Max”) based on your income and financial risk factors as outlined in the Cash Out User Agreement. EarnIn reserves the right to adjust the Daily Max and Pay Period Max at its discretion. Your actual Daily Max will be displayed in your EarnIn account before each Cash Out. For additional information about your Daily Max and Pay Period Max, please refer to our FAQ. Service may not be available in all states.
EarnIn does not charge interest on Cash Outs or mandatory fees for standard transfers, which usually take 1–2 business days. For faster transfers, you can choose the Lightning Speed option and pay a fee to receive funds within 30 minutes. Lightning Speed may not be available at all times and/or to all customers. See the Fee Table for details. Tips are optional and do not affect the quality or availability of services.
3Tips go to EarnIn and help us provide tools such as Credit Monitoring for free and keep Lightning Speed fees low. Your service quality and availability aren’t affected by whether you tip or not.
4Lightning Speed is an optional service that allows you to expedite the transfer of funds for a fee. Depending on the product, the fee may be charged by EarnIn or its banking partner. Lightning Speed may not be available to all customers. Actual transfer speeds depend on your bank. See the Lightning Speed Fee Table for details.
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