Grocery Spending in St Matthews: What to Expect
Did you know the average price of groceries rose 13.1% in 2022? In 2025, grocery prices in St Matthews, KY remain elevated but stable. For a typical couple living here, expect to budget around $500-600 per month for groceries. This assumes shopping at a mix of stores and buying a combination of generic and brand-name products.
Grocery prices in St Matthews can vary by up to 20% depending on where you shop and whether you opt for organic items. Choosing mostly store brands and shopping sales can keep your bill on the lower end, around $450/month. Frequent trips to premium organic markets will push it closer to $650 or more.
The average monthly expenses in St Matthews, KY for a couple, including groceries, housing, utilities, and other essentials, total around $3,500. Groceries account for roughly 15% of that overall budget. With some smart strategies, you can trim your grocery spending to 10-12% of your monthly costs.
Item-by-Item Cost Snapshot
To give you a more concrete idea of St Matthews grocery prices, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for common items:
| Item | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 gallon) | $3.50 |
| Eggs (1 dozen) | $2.75 |
| Bread (1 loaf) | $2.50 |
| Chicken breast (1 lb) | $3.25 |
| Rice (1 lb) | $1.50 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.00 |
| Potato chips (13 oz) | $4.00 |
Note: Prices may vary seasonally. Eggs and produce often rise in cost during summer months in St Matthews.
Where People Shop in St Matthews
St Matthews offers a range of grocery chains to fit different budgets and preferences:
Premium ($$$)
- Whole Foods Market
- The Fresh Market
Mid-Range ($$)
- Kroger
- Publix
Discount ($)
- Walmart Neighborhood Market
- Aldi
- Costco
While the premium stores offer specialty and organic products, you’ll get the most bang for your buck at the discount grocers. Walmart and Aldi are go-tos for staples and pantry items. Costco is ideal for bulk purchases, especially non-perishables, paper goods, and cleaning supplies.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Saving on Groceries
With food prices still inflated, St Matthews residents use various methods to control costs:
- Loyalty programs: Sign up for free store cards to earn points and access digital coupons.
- Warehouse clubs: Buy bulk quantities of shelf-stable items at Costco or Sam’s Club to save 20% or more.
- Couponing: Clip weekly grocery store flyers and stack with manufacturer’s coupons.
- Discount apps: Earn cash back on grocery purchases with apps like Ibotta and Fetch Rewards.
Tip of the Section:
Stock up on rice, beans, oats, and pasta from bulk bins at Costco. Buying grains and legumes this way often cuts the cost in half compared to packaged products.
Grocery Costs vs. Dining Out
Wondering how cooking at home stacks up against eating out in St Matthews? The average meal out costs $12-18 per person, including tax and tip. For a couple, a typical restaurant tab runs $30-40.
In comparison, you can prepare a balanced meal at home for $5-8 per serving. Groceries give you much more control over your food budget. Even with occasional splurges on steak or seafood, you’ll still come out ahead financially by cooking most of your meals.
FAQ: St Matthews Grocery Costs
Is it cheaper to shop in bulk in St Matthews?
Yes, buying pantry staples, meats, and cleaning products in bulk quantities from Costco or Sam’s Club can save you 20-30% on those items compared to smaller packages from the supermarket.
What’s the most affordable grocery store in St Matthews?
Walmart and Aldi offer the consistently lowest prices on groceries in St Matthews. Focusing your shopping on these stores can trim 15-20% off your monthly grocery bill.
How much do groceries cost monthly in Kentucky?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average household in the South spends $4,600 per year on groceries, or about $383 per month. In St Matthews, a couple’s monthly grocery bill will run $450-650, depending on shopping habits.
Smart Grocery Planning in St Matthews
For a couple in St Matthews, a realistic monthly grocery budget is $500-600. Following a few simple strategies — like deal-seeking, store loyalty programs, and buying in bulk — can help you shave 10-20% off that total.
Grocery prices in St Matthews may be higher than the national average, but careful planning makes it possible to eat well on a modest budget. Cooking meals at home using affordable, whole ingredients is the surest path to substantial savings.
Ready to calculate your total monthly expenses in St Matthews? Check out our guide to the average cost of living for a couple to see how your grocery bill factors in.