How to Buy Groceries on a Budget in New York City

Groceries are over the top in the Big Apple.

Residents of New York City face some of the highest prices in the world when it comes to housing, transportation and entertainment. Groceries are no exception. There are some things you can do when grocery shopping in NYC that can save you some money and keep you within your grocery budget.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Newspaper
• Metro Card

Instructions

1. Look around. In New York City, the closest grocery store may not be the cheapest option. Explore your neighborhood. Walk a few blocks further than the closest store. You may find a more affordable market. Remember, since you will be doing your shopping mostly on foot, you don't have to worry about the cost of additional gas when moving from store to store. Invest in a wheeled "granny cart" to help you get your reasonably priced groceries home.

2. Compare prices from store to store. Your corner market may have great prices on fresh fruit, but not great deals when it comes to dairy products. Figure out what stores have the best prices on staple items. Grab the items you need as you pass each store on the way home from work. Carry a tote bag with you that can accommodate spontaneous purchases.

3. Hire a delivery service. Many New Yorkers get their groceries delivered. If you discover a store that has great prices but is far from your apartment, ask the store if they offer delivery. Your savings could outweigh the $4 or $5 the store charges for the service. Don't forget to tip the delivery person.

4. Explore the many ethnic markets that are found throughout the city. New York City offers a wide array of stores that represent a wealth of different cultures. Not only will you find some good deals, but you may also find some new items or ingredients that you had never before heard of.

5. Shop the vendors. Outdoor fruit and vegetable vendors can be found on many Manhattan street corners. These vendors offer good quality produce for a fraction of the cost that you'd find at the grocery store.

6. Learn which sections of the city to travel to for grocery bargains. The midtown section of Ninth Avenue in Manhattan features an array of specialty stores that cater to the restaurant industry. Seafood, meats, bulk spices, baked goods and produce can often be purchased at wholesale prices. Manhattan's Chinatown features Asian produce, dumplings and seafood at bargain prices. Bulk superstores, like Costco, are located in the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island.

7. Clip coupons. Use the newspaper and the Internet to search for coupons for your favorite brand-name items. When using coupons, it is important to only buy the products that you'd normally buy full price. If you start buying items just because you have a coupon, you aren't really saving money.

8. Go to the farmer's markets. New York City's outdoor farmer's markets are a popular destination for city food lovers. Hit the market toward the end of the day when the vendors are likely to slash prices.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't confuse the term "budget" with "poor-quality." Expired food products, rotting produce or old meats are not a bargain. Aim to discover parts of the city where you can obtain quality ingredients at a reasonable price.

References

• "The New York Times"; Answers About Living Cheaply in New York