A California couple is spending between $1,000 and $1,200 a month on groceries for just the two of them. Now, with a baby on the way, they’re trying to figure out whether that number is totally normal — or totally out of control.
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Is This a Problem or Just Reality in 2025?
They cook nearly every meal at home, shop around for deals at stores like Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Costco COST and Grocery Outlet GO, and avoid eating out except for a few meals each month. Their diet is mostly whole foods with minimal meat and processed items. The husband lifts weights and consumes a lot of calories, while the wife occasionally buys organic produce. They also avoid processed foods for health reasons.
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“We bring home 215k a year, so we’re not hurting,” the poster wrote on Reddit’s r/budget subreddit. “But we have a baby on the way, so we’re making sure every part of our budget is tight.”
Are They Overspending, or Is This the New Normal?
The post quickly drew hundreds of responses. Some people were shocked by the number, saying they feed families of four or five for the same amount. Others said that in high-cost-of-living areas like California, $1,000 a month for two adults who eat every meal at home isn’t outrageous.
Several commenters pointed out that household items — like detergent, paper towels and toiletries — might be sneaking into that total without them realizing it. Others noted that higher-calorie diets, like those required by athletes or weightlifters, can significantly increase grocery bills.
“The gym guy piece really explains the $1000. Probably having pre-workout and post-workout, high protein, and higher calorie intake.”
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A few posters said they spend far less by planning meals around sales, buying in bulk, and sticking to simpler meals like rice, beans and frozen vegetables. One person claimed to feed two adults on $250 a month by using raw ingredients and avoiding name brands altogether.
But not everyone agreed that $1,200 was excessive. Some who eat similarly clean, minimally processed diets said they spend the same or even more — and feel fine about it.
“If you can afford it, then no big deal, I guess,” one user commented. “But it is all totally not necessary. You make your choice for what makes you happy, though.”
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The Verdict? It Depends
Ultimately, the responses boiled down to one thing: It depends. On where you live. On how much you eat. On whether you’re buying organic. On whether you’re including non-food items in your grocery total. And on how much you’re willing to prioritize food quality over cost.
One of the most repeated suggestions was to track your spending line by line for a month and see where the money is actually going. You might find some surprises hiding in your cart.
And if it still adds up to $1,200? Well, maybe that's just what it takes to eat well in 2025 — especially in California.
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