‘Do I need it?’ Groceries Cost 20%–40% More Than Before the Pandemic: How San Diegans Are Managing
San Diegans are adapting creatively to soaring grocery prices. Residents employ various strategies to stretch their budgets while maintaining their lifestyles.
Smart Spending and Rewards
Mike Portal relies on a no-fee credit card that offers 6% cashback on grocery purchases, maximizing every dollar he spends.
Choosing Affordable Options
Chris Lovelace stocks up on chicken drumsticks at 99 cents a pound — far cheaper than the red meat he once bought — making each meal more cost-effective.
Coupon Hunting and Late-Night Shopping
Margi Thornburgh, who prefers shopping late at night, scans weekly ads and clips coupons every Wednesday at midnight. She hunts for deals directly on store shelves.
“I really get a thrill out of getting a bargain,” she said after finding $1.99 smoothies at Vons, down from $3.99. Because they were half off, she bought 12 instead of six. “I was skipping out of the store with a big smile on my face.”
Frugality as a Lifestyle
These skilled shoppers have spent years refining their bargain-hunting techniques. Some benefit from resources like cars for bulk buying, time to chase discounts, and access to multiple stores. For others, limited space or tight schedules make saving money on food far harder.
Rising Food Costs
Grocery prices continue to increase due to lingering supply chain disruptions from the pandemic and import tariffs passed to consumers. In San Diego County, prices for groceries eaten at home were 4.4% higher this July than a year earlier, according to the last Bureau of Labor Statistics data before the federal shutdown halted publication.
Author’s Summary: San Diego shoppers employ creativity, discipline, and resourcefulness to navigate higher food prices caused by global market pressure and supply disruptions.