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Groceries Cost in Philadelphia, PA

By Sarah Chen ยท Reviewed by James Okafor ยท Updated May 2026
ANNUAL AVG
$5,841
MONTHLY
$487
VS NATIONAL
+1%
COST INDEX
102

Direct Answer

Groceries Cost in Philadelphia, PA averages approximately $5,841/year ($487/month) โ€” 1% above the US national average of $5,760. Typical range: $3,797โ€“$8,469 depending on household and provider.

Groceries Cost Range in Philadelphia

Budget-Conscious
$3,797/yr
~$316/mo ยท 35% below average
Typical
$5,841/yr
~$487/mo ยท what most households spend
Premium
$8,469/yr
~$706/mo ยท 45% above average

How Philadelphia Compares

Philadelphia's grocery cost runs $81 more per year than the US national average. With a cost-of-living index of 102, Philadelphia is positioned in the middle of US cost rankings, with groceries cost tracking close to national pricing.

Groceries Cost in Top US Cities (Annual)

CityCost IndexAnnual Avgvs. National
Philadelphia, PA This page102$5,841+1%
New York, NY187$9,268+61%
Los Angeles, CA166$8,421+46%
Chicago, IL107$6,042+5%
Houston, TX96$5,599-3%
Phoenix, AZ103$5,881+2%
View all 300+ cities ranked by grocery cost โ†’

How to Save on Groceries Cost in Philadelphia

1

Shop providers annually โ€” grocery cost pricing in Philadelphia varies meaningfully between vendors; getting 3 quotes typically saves 10-25%.

2

Consider neighboring zip codes โ€” even within PA, grocery cost can vary substantially by area.

3

Time purchases strategically โ€” off-peak periods see lower demand and better pricing for grocery cost.

4

Bundle services where possible โ€” many providers in Philadelphia discount combined services 10-20%.

5

Use city-specific assistance programs โ€” Philadelphia and PA may offer income-based reductions for grocery cost; check with local consumer-affairs offices.

Other Costs in Philadelphia

See how other major expenses look in Philadelphia, PA.

See the full Philadelphia cost-of-living profile โ†’

Philadelphia Groceries Cost โ€” FAQ

What is the average grocery cost in Philadelphia, PA?

The average grocery cost in Philadelphia, PA is approximately $5,841 per year ($487/month), based on a cost-of-living index of 102 applied to the national baseline of $5,760.

Is groceries cost expensive in Philadelphia?

Groceries Cost in Philadelphia runs close to the US national average, with a cost-of-living index of 102. The typical cost is within a few percent of the national figure.

How much does grocery cost cost per month in Philadelphia?

Monthly grocery cost in Philadelphia averages about $487. Households typically see $316โ€“$706 per month depending on size, provider choice, and lifestyle.

What drives grocery cost differences between cities?

Groceries Cost pricing tracks local labor markets, commercial real-estate costs, and regulatory environments. Cities with higher overall cost-of-living indices (like 102 for Philadelphia) systematically see higher service prices. Local competition, climate, and demand-supply balance also play significant roles.