In 2025, nearly one in five adults ages 18 to 64 — almost 20% — paid for groceries with savings, and nearly one in 20 — more than 5% — bought them with cash from a payday advance loan.
Those are two of the findings of a survey by the Urban Institute, a Washington, D.C.–based nonpartisan think tank that conducts economic and social policy research.
Its Well-being and Basic Needs Survey for 2025 also revealed that although nearly 35% of adults 18 to 64 who paid for groceries with a credit card paid the bill in full when it came due, more than 19% paid less than the full balance, and almost 9% did not always make the minimum payment. Contrast that with 2023, when around 7% did not make the minimum payment.
“Groceries are one of the largest household
budget items for families,” the survey states, noting that over the past five years, food costs have risen about 32%. “This means that families today face persistently higher prices when they go to the grocery store, and food affordability remains a key concern for many.”
Survey methodology
The Urban Institute does its Well-being and Basic Needs Survey annually. More than 7,500 adults 18 to 64 participated between 2017 and 2024. In 2025, the sample size was expanded to include 2,500 adults 65 and older for a total of 10,000.
New statistics show food costs up
New Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that food costs have gone up over the past year.
According to its July 14 report, food-at-home costs rose 2.7% over the 12 months ending in June.
Over that same period:
- The cost of fruits and vegetables rose 5.3%
- The cost of nonalcoholic beverages increased 2.9%
- The cost of meats, poultry, fish and eggs was up 2.6%
- The cost of cereal and bakery products rose 2.4%
- The cost of dairy and related products increased 0.4%
Earlier survey highlights food affordability issue
A separate survey done in May identified the rising cost of groceries and food as the biggest source of financial stress for Americans. The study by Global Strategy Group on behalf of the Kitchen Table Project surveyed 1,100 people.
Their responses showed widespread economic pain across political affiliations and bipartisan support for the government to intervene to make things more affordable.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers the grocery business and consumer-focused grocery news, as well as retail development, openings and closings. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Americans are draining savings to pay for groceries, survey shows
