Grocery Budget Calculator - Plan Your Monthly Grocery Spending
Calculate your monthly grocery budget for Saudi families. Category breakdown with 2026 Saudi market prices, saving tips, store comparison, and Ramadan shopping planner
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Monthly Grocery Budget Guide for Saudi Families 2026
The grocery budget is one of the most significant monthly expenses for Saudi families, comprising between 15% to 25% of total monthly income. With ongoing economic changes and rising global prices, careful planning of grocery expenses has become essential for achieving financial balance while maintaining quality nutrition for the family.
The grocery budget varies significantly based on several key factors. First, family size plays the biggest role in determining the required monthly purchase quantities. A two-person household may spend around 800-1200 SAR monthly, while expenses for a family of 6 can reach 2500-3500 SAR. Second, geographic location directly affects prices; major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are typically more expensive than rural areas and smaller cities due to higher transportation and real estate costs.
Among the most effective strategies for managing your grocery budget: preparing a shopping list before going to the store and sticking to it to avoid impulsive purchases, planning the week's meals in advance to precisely determine required ingredients, buying staples like rice, oil, and sugar in bulk when deals are available, and shopping during weekly sales and discounts. It is also recommended to compare prices across different stores through their mobile apps before making purchasing decisions.
The grocery budget calculator plays a pivotal role in helping families accurately estimate their expenses and understand where their money goes. By dividing the budget into clear categories such as meat, vegetables, and dairy, families can identify which categories consume the largest portion of the budget and work on optimizing them. This tool also allows you to compare your spending with the Saudi average to gauge how efficient your spending is compared to others.
Food Prices in the Saudi Market 2026
The Saudi market in 2026 is experiencing relative stability in basic food prices thanks to government efforts in supporting supply chains and diversifying import sources. However, some products are affected by global factors such as international shipping costs, exchange rate fluctuations, and weather conditions in exporting countries.
For meat, fresh chicken prices range from 18-28 SAR per kg, while beef reaches 45-70 SAR per kg depending on the cut and quality. Lamb ranges from 55-85 SAR per kg. Fresh fish starts at 25 SAR per kg for local varieties and can reach 80 SAR for imported types. For rice, Indian basmati rice ranges from 8-15 SAR per kg, while Egyptian rice is less expensive at 5-8 SAR per kg.
Vegetable and fruit prices fluctuate significantly by season. Tomatoes range from 3-8 SAR per kg, cucumbers 3-6 SAR, potatoes 3-5 SAR, and onions 2-5 SAR. Fruits like apples range from 8-15 SAR, bananas 4-7 SAR, and oranges 5-10 SAR. Dairy product prices are relatively stable with fresh milk ranging from 5-8 SAR per liter, labneh between 8-14 SAR per kg, and white cheese between 12-25 SAR per kg.
It is worth noting that organic and health products are 30-50% more expensive than conventional products. Store private labels (such as Tamimi's 365 brand or Panda's own brand) offer an economical alternative with acceptable quality. Bulk purchasing from wholesale stores can save 15-25% on dry goods and canned items.
Ramadan Grocery Shopping Tips
The blessed month of Ramadan represents an exceptional period in the dietary consumption patterns of Saudi families, where meal patterns change completely and the need for special food items increases. Statistics indicate that household grocery spending rises by 30-50% during Ramadan compared to regular months, requiring careful financial planning to avoid excess and waste.
Among the most in-demand items during Ramadan: dates of various types (especially Ajwa, Sukkari, and Saqai), with prices ranging from 25-120 SAR per kg depending on type and quality. Yogurt and milk for iftar drinking, Vimto juice which is considered an essential Ramadan beverage, ingredients for samosas, qatayef, and kunafa, and special spices like cardamom and saffron for preparing Arabic coffee and Ramadan desserts.
To save money during Ramadan, we recommend the following strategies: Start buying dry goods and canned items 2-3 weeks before Ramadan when prices are lower. Prepare the iftar and suhoor meal list for the first week in advance and repeat it with minor modifications. Take advantage of Ramadan offers launched by major stores such as Panda, Carrefour, and Lulu, which can reach 40-60% discounts. Preparing samosas and pastries at home instead of buying ready-made saves more than 50% of the cost.
Common mistakes in Ramadan shopping include: buying large quantities of perishable items at the beginning of the month, overspending on sweets and juices, not checking existing home inventory before shopping, and being influenced by tempting offers to buy unnecessary items. We recommend shopping once a week for basic iftar items, and buying fresh vegetables and fruits twice a week to maintain freshness.
How to Manage Your Grocery Budget Smartly and Maximize Savings
Managing your grocery budget smartly does not necessarily mean reducing quality or quantity; rather, it means making more conscious and organized purchasing decisions. The right start is tracking your current expenses for a full month to know exactly where your money goes. This tracking usually reveals many surprises, such as high spending on snacks and ready-made beverages that may constitute 15-20% of the total budget without us realizing it.
One of the most powerful saving strategies is "Batch Cooking," where you prepare large quantities of basic dishes in one day and freeze them for use throughout the week. This method not only saves money but also saves time and effort while reducing food waste. For example, preparing meat broth in large quantities and using it in several different recipes saves about 30% on meat costs.
Store apps and online shopping have become effective saving tools in the Saudi market. Apps like Nana, Mrsool, and HungerStation provide easy price comparison between stores, along with exclusive coupons and offers. Online ordering also helps you stick to your list and avoid impulse purchases that usually occur during in-store personal shopping. Some apps also offer expense tracking and purchase pattern analysis features.
Finally, do not forget the importance of reducing food waste as an effective saving method. Studies indicate that Saudi families waste between 20-30% of purchased food items. To reduce waste: store foods properly, use meal leftovers to prepare new dishes, follow the "first in, first out" rule in organizing the refrigerator, and freeze excess vegetables and fruits before they spoil. These simple steps can save 300-500 SAR monthly for an average family.