Grocery Cost by Age and Sex
On the USDA moderate-cost plan, groceries run about $336 a month for one adult (May 2026). Costs are highest for teenagers and adult men and lower for young children and older adults; larger households pay less per person.
A moderate-cost grocery budget is about $336/month for one adult (USDA, May 2026). Thrifty plans run lower and liberal plans higher, and per-person cost falls as household size rises.
- Moderate plan, 1 adult~$336/mo
- Thrifty plan, 1 adult~$250/mo
- Liberal plan, 1 adult~$420/mo
- Household of 4 (moderate)~$1,340/mo
Source: USDA — Official Food Plans, Cost of Food at Home, May 2026
What the USDA food plans measure
The USDA publishes four food-at-home cost levels — thrifty, low-cost, moderate-cost and liberal — by age and sex, updated monthly. They estimate the cost of a nutritious diet prepared at home and exclude restaurant meals and non-food grocery items. Values are for individuals; the USDA applies household-size adjustments (a one-person household adds about 20%, while larger households save on a per-person basis).
Monthly grocery cost by age/sex (moderate-cost plan)
| Group | Approx. monthly |
|---|---|
| Child 1–3 | ~$205 |
| Child 9–11 | ~$300 |
| Teen male 14–18 | ~$375 |
| Adult female 19–50 | ~$315 |
| Adult male 19–50 | ~$375 |
| Adult 71+ | ~$310 |
Illustrative moderate-cost values around the $336 one-adult average; the USDA publishes exact figures by age and sex each month. Household totals apply size adjustments.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average grocery cost for one person?
About $336 a month on the USDA moderate-cost plan (May 2026). Thrifty budgets run closer to $250 and liberal budgets around $420.
Why do men and teenagers cost more to feed?
USDA plans scale with calorie needs, which are highest for teenage boys and adult men and lower for young children and older adults.
Do bigger households pay more per person?
No — per-person cost falls as household size rises. The USDA adds about 20% for a one-person household and applies smaller adjustments as size increases.
Does this include eating out?
No. The USDA food plans measure food prepared at home only. Restaurant and takeout spending is separate.
Sources & methodology
Sources: USDA — Official Food Plans, Cost of Food at Home, May 2026.
Plan levels and the one-adult moderate figure are from the USDA Cost of Food at Home reports (May 2026). Household totals use the USDA economy-of-scale adjustments and are NumberBench calculations.
Last checked July 2026 · Refreshed monthly with the USDA Cost of Food at Home release.