Where the numbers come from
The USDA publishes the cost of a healthy diet cooked at home every month, for each age and sex, at several spending levels. This calculator uses the July 2026 report (issued August 2026) for the low-cost, moderate-cost and liberal plans, U.S. average.
The USDA costs assume a 4-person household. For other sizes it suggests an adjustment: add 20% for one person, 10% for two and 5% for three; subtract 5% for five or six people and 10% for seven or more. The calculator applies it for you.
Which spending level to pick
The low-cost plan is a tight but healthy budget. The moderate-cost plan fits most families who cook at home and buy some convenience foods. The liberal plan leaves room for premium brands and more variety. All three assume meals and snacks are made at home, so eating out comes on top.
Prices vary by region. If you live somewhere expensive, start with the moderate or liberal level.
The formulas behind it
Every result cell is a plain spreadsheet formula, so you can check the math or rebuild it yourself.
| Cell | Result | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| B12 | People in household | =SUM(B3:B9) |
| B13 | USDA monthly cost (4-person basis) | =SUMPRODUCT(B3:B9, USDA monthly cost per person for B2) |
| B14 | Household size adjustment | =CHOOSE(MIN(B12,7), 20%, 10%, 5%, 0%, -5%, -5%, -10%) |
| B15 | Monthly grocery budget | =B13*(1+B14) |
| B16 | Weekly grocery budget | =B15/4.333 |
| B17 | Per person, per month | =B15/B12 |
| B18 | Per year | =B15*12 |
Sources
Rates checked (US). Platforms change fees from time to time.