Wow groceries are expensive here!
#61
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
Maybe if you lived on Hot Pockets.
#62
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
We're heading down to stay in Dana Point tonight...will also be doing a Bristol Farms run.
#63
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 138
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
Whats the general consensus on Target. On my numerous visits to the US I have always been quite impressed with their stores (in CA and VA). They seem to stock a wide range of items. I tried to describe them to my wife as Target being Sainsburys to Walmart being Tesco.
I always get a load of clothes and candy etc for the kids and fedex it back (through work ) to the UK. But on my last visit I did a proper reccy (seeing as we might, might be moving to the US) and their prices on some items seemed quite reasonable. Beer seemed very cheap.
I always get a load of clothes and candy etc for the kids and fedex it back (through work ) to the UK. But on my last visit I did a proper reccy (seeing as we might, might be moving to the US) and their prices on some items seemed quite reasonable. Beer seemed very cheap.
#64
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
Whats the general consensus on Target. On my numerous visits to the US I have always been quite impressed with their stores (in CA and VA). They seem to stock a wide range of items. I tried to describe them to my wife as Target being Sainsburys to Walmart being Tesco.
I always get a load of clothes and candy etc for the kids and fedex it back (through work ) to the UK. But on my last visit I did a proper reccy (seeing as we might, might be moving to the US) and their prices on some items seemed quite reasonable. Beer seemed very cheap.
I always get a load of clothes and candy etc for the kids and fedex it back (through work ) to the UK. But on my last visit I did a proper reccy (seeing as we might, might be moving to the US) and their prices on some items seemed quite reasonable. Beer seemed very cheap.
Mrs P's mother used to be a fan, but "went off" it. (Not sure why?). The range of beer in any/all warehouse or "big box" stores is pretty poor, regular chain groceries are improving rapidly, and can be as cheap, or cheaper than the wine & beer specialists. The red walls, decor, and signage in Target makes my head hurt.
Last edited by Pulaski; Mar 27th 2014 at 6:07 pm.
#65
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
One of the first things I have noticed is just how expensive groceries are here. Been to Publix, Sweetbay and Whole foods (I realise the latter will be more expensive), but surprised in general with the cost of things compared to UK. I was expecting prices to be a bit more expensive after reading some of the posts here, but wasnt prepared for just how much more expensive.... everything.... is!
The other things that was surprising, was how small their fresh food sections are compared to UK and Oz, but definitely impressed with butchers and fish sections.
Might need to adjust the budget we had forecasted for weekly shop.
The other thing that has really taken me by suprised is pay as you go mobile costs! Went to T-Mobile yesterday and almost died when he asked for $100 a month for a mobile sim and a data sim for ipad!
I am going to keep the s for a while in the spellng
The other things that was surprising, was how small their fresh food sections are compared to UK and Oz, but definitely impressed with butchers and fish sections.
Might need to adjust the budget we had forecasted for weekly shop.
The other thing that has really taken me by suprised is pay as you go mobile costs! Went to T-Mobile yesterday and almost died when he asked for $100 a month for a mobile sim and a data sim for ipad!
I am going to keep the s for a while in the spellng
#66
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
When we moved to US, in 2010...one of the first supermarkets that my friend introduced me to was Safeway......
I thought it was terribly expensive and I almost freaked out given we moved from Australia on 2x salaries to US on 1x. I was depressed! Then the following weekend he took me to Wholefoods! It nearly killed me.
So when my wife joined me (she was in LA for a short period until I got settled in the east bay area), we just decided to walk around, drive around...I never shopped at supermarkets in Australia; always supported small businesses locally. So we tried to find some here and thats that.
It's a learning process. If I had all the time in the world then I know exactly where to get things
My notes below are east bay area.
Costco: Can't beat Milk, Bananas, Salad stuff, and a raft of other items
Local: Can't find cheaper fruit and vegetables than local store. Sometimes I selectively buy things from Trader Joe's (specially ethnic stuff). TJs is really awesome
I even find myself shopping a bit at Target and Walmart - groceries, milk, bread, baby food etc.
And we never pass on any deals we may get in the mail. We do everything we can, just as a young family of 3 with one salary would do to save a buck.
The point is, It was a rude shock to visit the wrong places as a new person which is usually what a new comer does. Relies on known names which are above average brands and way above average prices.
You will learn....
No comment on meat/fish...we are vegetarian.
Enjoy. I hear Tampa is much cheaper than CA!
I thought it was terribly expensive and I almost freaked out given we moved from Australia on 2x salaries to US on 1x. I was depressed! Then the following weekend he took me to Wholefoods! It nearly killed me.
So when my wife joined me (she was in LA for a short period until I got settled in the east bay area), we just decided to walk around, drive around...I never shopped at supermarkets in Australia; always supported small businesses locally. So we tried to find some here and thats that.
It's a learning process. If I had all the time in the world then I know exactly where to get things
My notes below are east bay area.
Costco: Can't beat Milk, Bananas, Salad stuff, and a raft of other items
Local: Can't find cheaper fruit and vegetables than local store. Sometimes I selectively buy things from Trader Joe's (specially ethnic stuff). TJs is really awesome
I even find myself shopping a bit at Target and Walmart - groceries, milk, bread, baby food etc.
And we never pass on any deals we may get in the mail. We do everything we can, just as a young family of 3 with one salary would do to save a buck.
The point is, It was a rude shock to visit the wrong places as a new person which is usually what a new comer does. Relies on known names which are above average brands and way above average prices.
You will learn....
No comment on meat/fish...we are vegetarian.
Enjoy. I hear Tampa is much cheaper than CA!
#67
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
Whats the general consensus on Target. On my numerous visits to the US I have always been quite impressed with their stores (in CA and VA). They seem to stock a wide range of items. I tried to describe them to my wife as Target being Sainsburys to Walmart being Tesco.
I always get a load of clothes and candy etc for the kids and fedex it back (through work ) to the UK. But on my last visit I did a proper reccy (seeing as we might, might be moving to the US) and their prices on some items seemed quite reasonable. Beer seemed very cheap.
I always get a load of clothes and candy etc for the kids and fedex it back (through work ) to the UK. But on my last visit I did a proper reccy (seeing as we might, might be moving to the US) and their prices on some items seemed quite reasonable. Beer seemed very cheap.
Some can be fab, others less so on price and also on selection of goods. Some areas have better clearance items though.
We don't have booze in MA, so can't say. Kids clothes, not bad value and good for household goods. Fresh stuff, not so much.
#68
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 219
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
I live target but fresh food there is v limited. I do find that I have to shop in 3 or 4 places (costco, target, Safeway and trader joe's) to get what I want at prices I'm happy with. Come back Tesco, all is almost forgiven!!!
#69
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Joined: Oct 2002
Location: Atlanta via Dubai, Belgium, Greece, Saudi Arabia
Posts: 953
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
Many of us remember the prices when we left the UK and may have lost touch what food costs today, here is a link to what prices are in the UK today
http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/
I have to say personally we do about 50% of our shopping at Aldi, shops are relatively small, there is limited choice (only own brand cornflakes and only 1 size) but they are relatively inexpensive compared to the cheapest available.
They have a small but decent wine and imported beer selection again at reasonable prices
please note if you are a brand name snob its not the place for you otherwise its a good value alternative to the full line supermarkets
http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/
I have to say personally we do about 50% of our shopping at Aldi, shops are relatively small, there is limited choice (only own brand cornflakes and only 1 size) but they are relatively inexpensive compared to the cheapest available.
They have a small but decent wine and imported beer selection again at reasonable prices
please note if you are a brand name snob its not the place for you otherwise its a good value alternative to the full line supermarkets
#70
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 219
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
We have no walmart with an hour's drive so I've never shopped there! When you add on the cost of petrol the savings wouldn't be too good! Ditto no Aldi. Is that the same as Aldi in the UK? I would die of happiness if I found one of those. Here my comparisons are Safeway, whole foods and Lucky x
Oh and safeways without a safeways card was our first shop.... Terrifying!
Oh and safeways without a safeways card was our first shop.... Terrifying!
Last edited by Zez; Mar 27th 2014 at 9:14 pm.
#71
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 219
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
Oo do thinks it's more expensive... We've only been here 6 months so relatively recent price comparisons and we're on the same salary here as in the UK (didn't move for the money but for the experience!)
#72
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 138
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
We have no walmart with an hour's drive so I've never shopped there! When you add on the cost of petrol the savings wouldn't be too good! Ditto no Aldi. Is that the same as Aldi in the UK? I would die of happiness if I found one of those. Here my comparisons are Safeway, whole foods and Lucky x
Aldi (Sud - which is the one you are used to the in UK) are looking to expand to the West Coast soon from what I read. Aldi (Sud) operate under the Aldi name in the US. Aldi (Sud) are the ones who do the weekly specials etc.
#73
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 572
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
It all depends where you live. Prices vary from state to state, and often from city to city. For produce, we buy mainly fresh and from the farmer's markets when they are in season. Right now, we are getting Florida strawberries for between $1 and $2 per lb, cluster tomatoes for $1.98, bananas for 45 cents, but milk is between $3.99 and $4.59. Next month, the Mennonite store opens, and the farmer's market at the end of the month, and we will have a wider range.
#75
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: Wow groceries are expensive here!
Many of us remember the prices when we left the UK and may have lost touch what food costs today, here is a link to what prices are in the UK today
http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/
I have to say personally we do about 50% of our shopping at Aldi, shops are relatively small, there is limited choice (only own brand cornflakes and only 1 size) but they are relatively inexpensive compared to the cheapest available.
They have a small but decent wine and imported beer selection again at reasonable prices
please note if you are a brand name snob its not the place for you otherwise its a good value alternative to the full line supermarkets
http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/
I have to say personally we do about 50% of our shopping at Aldi, shops are relatively small, there is limited choice (only own brand cornflakes and only 1 size) but they are relatively inexpensive compared to the cheapest available.
They have a small but decent wine and imported beer selection again at reasonable prices
please note if you are a brand name snob its not the place for you otherwise its a good value alternative to the full line supermarkets