Grocery Spending in Mt Juliet: What to Expect
Living in Mt Juliet, you might be wondering: How much will your monthly grocery expenses run? Here’s a breakdown for a family of two in 2025. The average grocery bill for a couple in Mt Juliet is about $450 per month. This estimate assumes you’re doing most of your shopping at major chains like Kroger, Walmart, and Publix, with a mix of store brands and name brands.
Grocery prices in Mt Juliet can vary by up to 20% depending on where you shop and whether you buy organic. Shopping at premium grocers like Whole Foods or The Fresh Market will bump up your monthly spend, while sticking to discount stores like Aldi can shave dollars off your bill. Buying in bulk at warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club can also provide savings, especially on non-perishables and household items.
Note that grocery prices in Mt Juliet tend to be slightly lower than the national average, thanks to Tennessee’s overall lower cost of living. However, prices for certain items like fresh produce can spike during the off-season due to transportation costs.
Item-by-Item Cost Snapshot
To give you a more concrete idea of what groceries cost in Mt Juliet, here’s a table showing average prices for common items:
| Item | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 gallon) | $3.50 |
| Eggs (1 dozen) | $2.00 |
| Bread (1 loaf) | $2.50 |
| Chicken breast (1 lb) | $3.25 |
| Ground beef (1 lb) | $4.50 |
| Rice (1 lb) | $1.50 |
| Pasta (1 lb) | $1.25 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $1.75 |
| Potatoes (1 lb) | $1.00 |
Note: Prices may vary seasonally. Eggs and produce often rise in cost during summer months in Mt Juliet.
Where People Shop in Mt Juliet
Mt Juliet residents have a variety of grocery options to choose from, ranging from national chains to local markets. Here’s a rundown of the major players, organized by pricing tier:
Premium:
- Whole Foods Market
- The Fresh Market
- Sprouts Farmers Market
Mid-Range:
- Kroger
- Publix
- Food Lion
Discount:
- Walmart Supercenter
- Aldi
- Save A Lot
In addition to these chains, Mt Juliet has several independent grocery stores and specialty markets. Notable local favorites include The Produce Place, which offers a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, and Batch & Bushel, known for its gourmet and organic offerings.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Saving on Groceries
While grocery prices in Mt Juliet are relatively affordable compared to other parts of the country, there are still plenty of ways to trim your food budget. One of the easiest is to sign up for loyalty programs at your go-to stores. Kroger Plus and Publix Rewards both offer personalized coupons and discounts based on your purchase history.
Buying in bulk at warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club can also lead to significant savings, especially if you focus on shelf-stable goods and household essentials. Just be careful not to overbuy perishables that might go to waste.
Using coupon apps like Ibotta and Checkout 51 is another great way to save. These apps give you cash back on select purchases, so you can earn a little money each time you shop. Some stores like Kroger even have their own cash back programs built into their loyalty apps.
Tip of the Section: Look for “Manager’s Special” deals on meat and produce that are nearing their expiration dates. You can often find discounts of 30% or more, then freeze or use the items right away.
Grocery Costs vs. Dining Out
Even with rising food costs, grocery shopping is still more affordable than regularly dining out. An average meal out in Mt Juliet costs $12–$15 per person, so a couple that eats at restaurants a few times a week can easily spend over $300 on top of their grocery bill.
By comparison, home-cooked meals often cost under $5 per serving, even with higher-end ingredients. Preparing food at home also gives you more control over portion sizes and ingredients, which can be helpful for managing your overall food budget and maintaining a healthy diet.
Of course, the occasional splurge on a nice restaurant meal is fine, and Mt Juliet has plenty of excellent dining options. But if you’re looking to trim your food spending, cooking at home using grocery ingredients is one of the most effective ways to do it.
FAQ: Mt Juliet Grocery Costs
Is it cheaper to shop in bulk in Mt Juliet?
Yes, buying shelf-stable items and household goods in bulk from warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club is often cheaper than buying the same products in smaller quantities from regular grocery stores.
What’s the most affordable grocery store in Mt Juliet?
Discount grocers like Aldi and Save A Lot typically have the lowest overall prices in Mt Juliet. Walmart Supercenter also offers very competitive pricing, especially on its store-brand items.
How much do groceries cost monthly in TN?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average household in Tennessee spends about $370 per month on groceries. For a family of two, a realistic monthly budget is $400–$500.
Are groceries taxed in Mt Juliet?
Yes, the sales tax rate in Mt Juliet is 9.25%, which applies to most grocery items. However, some staples like bread, milk, and eggs are tax-exempt.
How can I spend less on groceries in Mt Juliet?
Some easy ways to reduce your grocery spending include signing up for store loyalty programs, using coupon apps, buying in bulk, and opting for store-brand products over name brands. Planning your meals in advance and sticking to a shopping list can also help you avoid costly impulse purchases.
Smart Grocery Planning in Mt Juliet
For a family of two, a realistic monthly grocery budget in Mt Juliet is around $450, assuming you’re shopping at a mix of chain stores and doing some bulk buying. You can likely reduce that figure by 10–20% by sticking to discount grocers, clipping coupons, and being flexible with your meal planning.
While groceries are a significant part of any household budget, they’re also one of the most controllable expenses. By being smart about where, when, and how you shop, it’s possible to eat well in Mt Juliet without overspending.
Want to see how your grocery costs fit into your overall household budget? Check out our guide on how much it costs to live in Mt Juliet each month.