How Much Do Mainers Spend on Groceries Each Week?

If you’re a busy parent in Maine, you know that the grocery bill can sometimes feel like a small mortgage. Between working, family, and more working, deciding what to buy and sometimes what must be skipped can be stressful.

The prices of things are constantly changing and you’re constantly making sacrifices on grocery items.  

According to Central Maine, in 2024 Maine people spent an average of $5,337 per person in a year of groceries.

That breaks down to around $444.75 each month or roughly $100 per week. I remember when buying groceries for the month would cost $100.

And this doesn’t include eating out.  

As per the article, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis collected data and shows that grocery costs in Maine are not staying still, they’ve actually risen 1.8% from the previous year and climbed 57% since 2014.  

How Much Are Mainers Spending on Food?

So for so many Maine families, juggling this bill alongside rent, utilities, kid stuff and other essentials can mean tough choices at the checkout line.  

Do you buy the full cart of healthy produce, or do you opt for not-so-healthy items that won’t break your bank?  

But get this, outside of Maine they are seeing monthly groceries bills at $600 like DC. But the folks in Oklahoma are only paying $273 per month in groceries.

Read More: 3 Iconic Dishes in Maine That Everyone Needs to Try at Least Once

So, nationally we’re seeing differences everywhere.  

Next time you scan your receipt at Hannaford, Shaw’s, or your local grocery store, take a moment to think about how important budgeting is now, compared to what it was like when we were young.