Cost of Food Per Month UK
The average UK food cost is £150–£350 per month per person, but families can spend £400–£800+ depending on shopping habits.
How much does food cost per month in the UK?
The average cost of food per month in the UK ranges from £150 to £600+, depending on the number of people in the household.
Typical monthly food costs:
- Single adult: £150–£250
- Couple: £300–£450
- Family of four: £400–£700
This includes groceries but does not usually include takeaway meals or eating out.
Average weekly grocery bill UK
Breaking it down weekly:
- Single person: £40–£60 per week
- Couple: £70–£100 per week
- Family: £100–£160 per week
Shopping at budget supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can significantly reduce costs.
What affects food costs?
Several factors influence your grocery spending:
- Where you shop (budget vs premium supermarkets)
- Diet choices (organic, meat-heavy, plant-based)
- Location (London vs regional areas)
- Eating habits (home cooking vs takeaway)
Cheapest ways to reduce food costs
If you’re looking to save money on groceries:
- Shop at discount supermarkets
- Buy in bulk where possible
- Plan meals in advance
- Avoid food waste
- Use loyalty cards and offers
Food costs vs eating out
Eating out regularly can dramatically increase monthly food spending.
- Takeaway meals: £10–£25 per person
- Restaurant meal: £20–£50 per person
Reducing takeaways is one of the easiest ways to cut costs.
Related cost guides
- Average household bills in the UK
- Cost of living in the UK
- Energy bills per month
- Transport costs UK
“For a full monthly breakdown, see our average household bills guide”