Last checked October 29, 2026.
A moderate grocery budget for one adult runs about $336 to $397 a month, according to the USDA’s food plans; a tight “thrifty” budget runs about $253 to $319. These are national averages: the USDA doesn’t publish Montana-specific figures.
| USDA food plan, one adult aged 19–50 | Women | Men | Month priced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thrifty | $253.40 | $318.50 | June 2026 |
| Moderate-cost | $335.60 | $397.00 | May 2026 |
Sources: USDA Thrifty Food Plan, June 2026 and food plans, May 2026. Our salary calculator uses $366, the average of the two moderate-plan figures.
Groceries in a big, rural state
Montana has no sales tax on groceries, or on anything else outside resort towns. Distance is what changes the bill: small-town stores tend to cost more and stock less, so many rural households drive to a larger town’s big-box store or warehouse club once or twice a month. Count that gas in your driving budget.