Groceries cost question

[peach]

We're going on a road trip with an Rv to the usa. We plan to eat all of our breakfasts in the RV, and pack a lunch most days, and then return to the RV for supper most nights. We do plan to eat out a few times, but nothing $$$.

We're buying our groceries once we cross the border, because we can't take much through customs (no dairy, veggies, fruit, or meat unless it's canned I think)
I heard that groceries are much cheaper in the US than they are here in Canada anyway...

For a 10 day trip, with mostly eating simple meals made over the fire or in the RV kitchen for 3 of us, and a couple of meals (4-6) "Out" at a family style restaurant, am I ok to budget about $300 for it?? Or am I way off?

[sassafrass]

I think that if you buy the basics (mike, eggs, burgers... things that'll stretch multiple meals) you should be okay with the $300 but since you are adding in dining out as well, I think that I'd increase the budget a little but.

I think it'll all depend on the types of restaurants that you choose.

[peach]

I was wondering if I should plan for more like 400-450..probably should.
When we do eat out, it would be like sandwiches or a burger at a chain restaurant, or even stopping into a grocery store to grab something premade. Plus I am sure we will buy ice cream and drinks and stuff too...

[sassafrass]

Once you add in all the little extras, the money will add up quickly. I know around here, if you get a couple of "value" meals at BK or McDonald's or the like, it's easily $20. Also, if you go to a supermarket for premade stuff, it's rare (for me anyway) to walk out with only what you went there for. There's always something that you need or want that increases the bill.

I'd overestimate to be safe.

[emoflamingo]

Well it depends on where you're going to eat. If you only eat at fast food places, then you'll probably be fine with $300. If you're going to nicer restaurants, I'd up it a little more. I don't remember how old your DD is, but some of the chains are really kid frendly (like Applebee's or Chili's) and they do a 2-for deal. I think Applebee's is like 2/$20 and you get an appetizer and 2 meals?

I usually spend about $100/week on groceries (including any toiletries and health & beauty items we might need) and I'm talking like some cheap steaks, pork chops, ground turkey/pork, etc.

If you're buying pre-made stuff at the store, it'll cost more (for convenience) but some stores aren't insanely priced. Some are worse than others.

[Deleted]

I think if you are planning on eating out a few of your meals you should budget a bit more. Also keep in mind what state you are planning on purchasing the groceries in. Costs vary widely from state to state.

I would think that 10 days of groceries/ a couple meals out could be done on $400.

[sawyerthedestroyer]

It also depends on where you're going in the US. We're in a LCOL area and spend about 150-200 for two weeks of groceries, but I'm sure our grocery bill be higher if we lived in a different part of the country.

And I don't know about you, but when I'm on vacation and we're staying in a hotel room with a kitchenette, I tend to spend more on groceries because I buy more indulgent foods that I wouldn't normally purchase.