How much money do you spend on groceries?

Beyond rent, your grocery bill is most likely one of your biggest monthly expenses. Beverages alone can drain your wallet. Between small-batch craft beer and artisanal fresh-ground coffee, a trip to the grocery store can often lead to sticker shock. Do you usually buy organic foods? Enjoy that $3 peach.

Luckily, you don’t always have to worry that you can’t afford that organic chicken breast. In fact, some cities make it easy to buy all the fancy foods you can buy from a free-range rotisserie chicken.

We analyzed some cost-of-living data and discovered which US cities have cheaper groceries. For instance, how do you feel about Texas?

Most people say that everything is bigger in Texas, but we beg to differ when it comes to grocery bills. In fact, seven cities on our list call the Lone Star State home. Without further ado, here are 10 US cities where groceries are significantly cheaper than the national average!

10. Wichita Falls, TX

Wichita Falls was originally known for its rich agricultural history. Located between Oklahoma City and Dallas, this Texan cattle rancher’s farmland has come a pretty long way in its development over the years.

It’s home to various lush green parks and historic museums, as well as the “World’s Littlest Skyscraper.” Since its early stages as an agricultural area, the restaurants have always delighted locals with different foods made with fresh vegetables and fruits, making them excellent culinary hotspots.

What’s also special about this North Texas town is its affordability when it comes to groceries. Expect to pay 15% below the national average when you fill your shopping cart in Wichita Falls. Also, make sure you have your grocery list with you; it will help you avoid overspending.

Besides groceries, rent prices are also equally low here. A one-bedroom apartment in this Texas town will cost you about $704 per month.

9. Salina, KS

Located on the banks of the Smoky Hill River, Salina is a place rich in history, culture, art, and natural beauty. It boasts outstanding theaters, remarkable galleries, fascinating museums, vibrant festivals, diverse wildlife, scenic parks, and… excellent grocery prices!

Home to a trio of colleges, this town is a great place to fill up your stomach on a student budget. Between a Walmart Supercenter and a pair of Dillons Food Stores, there are lots of places to buy your groceries.

Here in Salina, groceries are 15.8% cheaper than in the rest of the country. And guess what? The news is equally promising for rent prices too, as the average monthly rent in Salina is around $525.

8. San Marcos, TX

San Marcos is a lovely college town halfway between San Antonio and Austin, known for the largest outlet mall in the US, a historic downtown square, and lots of waterways to paddleboard, kayak, or float on.

But you may want to know what else this Lone Star city has to offer. It’s home to Texas State University and its roughly 39,000 students. Lucky for them, the Texas town is a bargain-minded locale, so your groceries here are cheaper than what the majority of Americans pay.

Between groceries that are 15.9% cheaper than the national average and the sprawling outlet mall, it’s pretty simple to stick to a student budget.

7. Lynchburg, VA

Lynchburg, Virginia, is a small community located in Central Virginia. It’s not one of Virginia’s best-known cities, but it’s a lovely place to live with a rich sense of culture and history.

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the „City of Seven Hills” has a rich history dating back to the Civil War. When you’re not exploring the James River or cruising the charming Blue Ridge Parkway, you can spend 16% less on groceries in this mid-Atlantic town than the national average.

If mountain scenery and affordable provisions are your jam, you can live in a one-bedroom apartment here for around $830 per month.

6. McAllen, TX

McAllen is a mid-sized city nestled on the southern tip of Texas. It has outdoor recreation areas, fine shopping, museums, a science center, and nightlife, as well as many spots where birdwatchers can see migratory and endemic species.

McAllen focuses on promoting the artwork of local artists. That’s why you’ll see several galleries and art walks abounding in the city’s downtown historical district.

Located in the Rio Grande Valley, this city is right next to the Mexico border. Known for its Old Mexico vibe and outstanding population of birds and butterflies, McAllen also has grocery prices that are 16.7% below the national average.

Planning to relocate? A one-bedroom apartment in this Texas city will only set you back around $779 per month.

5. Harlingen, TX

Located around 30 minutes east of McAllen, this border city of Harlingen is about one hour west of spring break central: South Padre Island. Here you’ll find plenty of small-town charm and a vibrant cultural scene.

Home to unique glimpses into the history of Texas and authentic Mexican cuisine, Harlingen is a lovely southern city to spend your retirement years. Lucky for you, you can fill up your cart with salsa, chips, and margaritas for less than you probably expect.

Groceries here are 17% cheaper than in the rest of the country. Better yet, a one-bedroom in Harlingen will only set you back about $737 per month.

4. Round Rock, TX

Just a short 20 minutes north of Austin, Round Rock has the best of both worlds. It has a small-town vibe, but it’s also a convenient drive from the big city. This Texas town is known for its historic sites, great shopping, a walkable downtown, and both amateur and professional sports offerings.

When it comes to shopping, you’ll find lots of H-E-B grocery stores, along with affordable options like Trader Joe’s and ALDI. And the prices are pretty hard to beat. How do groceries being 19.6% cheaper than the national average sound? Yep, that’s right.

Rent in Round Rock, however, is a bit more pricey compared to other cities on this list, with a one-bedroom apartment coming in at about $1,071 per month.

3. Kalamazoo, MI

With a combination of a small-town vibe and big-city energy, Kalamazoo brims with innovation, friendliness, vitality, and an easy-going attitude. A lively Art Deco downtown sets the stage for cultural attractions, boutique shopping, and quality dining.

Home to several universities and colleges, there’s plenty to do in Kalamazoo, including museums that cover science, history, aviation, and cars.

Living in Southwestern Michigan also comes with super affordable prices on groceries, which will help you stretch your budget. Food and other essentials will cost you about 20.3% below the national average. Rent is also very affordable, at just $786 per month for a one-bedroom.

2. Waco, TX

Waco, Texas, may not be one of the most popular cities in the Lone Star State, but it’s definitely a place where you can spend your retirement years peacefully. While Central Texas can get very warm temperatures, in Waco things are a bit cooler thanks to the Brazos River and Lake Waco.

Home of the Dr. Pepper Museum, Baylor University, and Magnolia Market at the Silos, Waco is a great place to call home for several reasons. One of those reasons would be the groceries that cost 20.4% less than in most places in the US.

And the rent? You’ll pay around $879 per month for a one-bedroom.

1. Temple, TX

Perched north of Round Rock and Austin and just south of Waco, Temple earns the No. 1 spot on this list. This Texas city is a medical center leader and a healthcare industry hub, which has helped it experience economic prosperity.

The approximately 76,600 people who call Temple home are very lucky when it comes to their monthly grocery receipts. At 23.8% below the national average, groceries here will cost you almost a quarter less than most places in the country.

As for the rent prices, a one-bedroom in Temple will cost you $831 per month.

You may also want to read 8 US States That Sell The Cheapest Homes to Retirees.