How Much Are Families Spending on Groceries Right Now? (And How to Save)
We know how much grocery prices have been creeping up lately and judging by this recent post in the She’s on the Money community, everyone is feeling it.
Maddie shared:
"GROCERIES!!! We are a family of 5 (4 yo, 2 yo and 7 mo). How much is everyone spending on groceries p/f? How can I reduce? What are some budget-friendly meals? We shop at Aldi, collect Flybuys, look out for specials and just joined Coles Plus for the 10% off."
They were spending about $600 per fortnight - and with over 300 comments, it is clear so many families are asking the same question: what is normal right now, and how can we bring it down?
Here is what the community had to say:
What Families Are Actually Spending
First up the range was huge, but here are some common numbers people shared:
💰 Family of 5 - around $500 to $600 per fortnight
💰 Family of 4 -often $400 to $900 per fortnight, depending on dietary needs and ages of kids
💰 Family of 6 - anywhere from $500 to $1200 per fortnight
So if you are spending $250 to $300 a week for a family of 4 or 5 - you are pretty normal in this current cost of living climate. As Sarah said:
"I think $300/week for 5 is normal at the moment."
And Jemma added:
"We spend about that too (if not a bit more) for a family of 4. I think it is just the going rate at the moment."
The Most Popular Saving Tips
Now, onto the good stuff - how people are managing to keep those costs down. Here were the most common tips from the thread:
1️⃣ Meal Plan, Meal Plan, Meal Plan
Hands down, meal planning was the most recommended money-saving strategy.
Sara shared a great example:
"I just tried ChatGPT with Woolies this week! I asked for 5 dinners using specials. It gave me 5 recipes for $85!! And gave me the shopping list with the brands that were on sale. Money win!!"
Other parents mentioned using ChatGPT for meal planning, asking for budget-friendly recipes, and then matching that up with what is on special.
2️⃣ Shop Across Stores
Lots of parents are shopping between Aldi, Coles, and Woolies to take advantage of the best prices.
Cassandra said:
"I menu plan for the fortnight and plan around the specials. I shop online with Woolies and Coles, then I get fruit and veg from Aldi."
3️⃣ Add More Vegetarian Meals
A great tip from Lisa:
"Add 2 vegetarian meals each week. You would be surprised how much you can save. We had risotto and dahl this week."
4️⃣ Buy in Bulk (When You Can)
A few people mentioned buying meat in bulk or splitting it with family.
Aleesha shared:
"We buy a 1/8 cow maybe every 3-4 months for around $500."
Elissa also mentioned freezing meat when it is on special to stay under budget.
5️⃣ Use Apps and Rewards
Maddie was already onto this one - using Flybuys and Coles Plus.
Several others also mentioned using supermarket apps to track specials or get bonus offers, which can add up.
6️⃣ Focus on Quality, Not Cutting Everything
Kate reminded us:
"I personally do not try and skimp on good quality food, because food is fuel."
Many parents shared that they are happy to prioritise spending on fresh produce and good protein - and look to save on pantry staples or processed items instead.
Real Life Grocery Wins
A few standout examples from the thread:
→ Family of 4 - around $200–$300 a week with meal planning and ChatGPT tips
→ Family of 5 - about $500–$600 per fortnight, shopping across stores
→ Family of 6 - got their spending down from $800 per week by sitting down and meal planning weekly
Final Thoughts
There is no one "right" amount to spend on groceries - it depends so much on family size, dietary needs, ages of kids, and even what is available in your area.
But what really came through in this thread was that a little planning goes a long way.
If you want to start saving:
✅ Start meal planning
✅ Build meals around specials
✅ Add in more vegetarian meals
✅ Compare across stores
✅ Use apps and rewards
And do not forget - you are not alone if your grocery bill has gone up this year. As one member said: “It is just the going rate at the moment.”
Big love to our amazing SOTM community for always sharing the best tips. If you have more to add, come join the conversation in the group!
***Please remember our blogs aren’t intended as financial advice - they’re intended only as a starting point to give you a little extra info! For more in-depth advice catered to your personal financial position, please see a certified financial advisor.
