From the Family Finances Survey results one of the biggest factors in determining how much we spend on food was whether or not we shopped around.
Only 25% of respondents regularly went to more than one place to take advantage of specials and this was significant in reducing their expenditure.
| Average amount spent per week on total bill - shopping around: | |
|---|---|
| All respondents: | $198 |
| Respondents who shopped at more than one place regularly to take advantage of specials: | $181 |
| Respondents who shopped at more than one place occasionally to take advantage of specials: | $198 |
| Respondents who never shopped at more than one place to take advantage of specials: | $218 |
Price comparisons
I have collated some comparative data on a few key food items I buy – the variance in price is quite huge between the stores for some items.
| Food Item | Costco | ALDI | Coles | Woolworths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1kg Frozen Rasperries | $6.89 | *$8.98 | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| 1kg Shortcut bacon | $9.99 | $9.99 | $12.97 | $16.64 |
| 1kg Butternut Pumpkin | $1.99 | $2.48 | $2.70 | |
| 120 grams Baby Spinach | *$1.50 | $2.49 | *$2.40 | *$3.20 |
| 1kg Lean ground beef | $7.99 | $11.98 | $13.99 | $13.91 |
| 12 Free Range Eggs | $3.49 | $4.50 | $4.49 | |
| 2kg Potatoes | $2.99 | $5.96 | $5.96 | |
| 1kg Frozen Peas | $1.99 | $2.16 | $1.99 | |
| 1kg Bananas | $2.49 | $2.90 | $2.48 | |
| 1kg Granny Smith Apples | $1.99 | $3.80 | $3.88 | |
| 1kg Pink Lady Apples | $2.99 | $5.90 | $5.88 | |
| Total: | $51.37 | $64.65 | $67.92 |
For a few of the prices I adjusted the price to be comparative for the weights you buy the goods at other shops, these are marked with an asterisk. I have only been to Costco once, hence not having as much info on prices.
All prices listed where accurate when I shopped, but naturally they are very dynamic and these prices do not take into account specials etc. The aim of the table is show that you can save a great deal of money if you know where to buy your staples at the cheapest price.
Value for money places to shop
Readers left notes in the survey about good places to shop and I also asked on my facebook page if readers had favourite value for money places to shop. I would like to add to this list, so if you have a great place to shop in your part of the world, I would love it if you would share in the comments below.
If you would like to share leave a link if you have one, the town or city and state of the shop and what it sells.
Thanks Nic!