Tag: Household expenses

According to a September 2025 study from GOBankingRates, a family of four needs a six-figure income in more than half of U.S. states to live comfortably. A reasonable budget for a family of four is not a single number, but rather a dynamic plan that accounts for location, lifestyle, and individual financial goals.

Statistics show that food is often one of a household's largest flexible spending categories, with U.S. households spending thousands of dollars annually on groceries and dining out. The household food account method is a systematic budgeting strategy designed to gain granular control over this significant expense.

According to recent analysis of U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey data, the average American household spends approximately $270 per week on groceries. However, this national average only tells part of the story, as what does the average household spend on groceries each week can vary dramatically depending on numerous individual factors.

According to USDA estimates from May 2025, a single person's monthly grocery budget can range from a thrifty $297 to a more liberal $558, with the average U.S. consumer spending around $504 per month. However, a truly realistic budget is highly personal, depending on location, diet, and spending habits.