NYC mums - cost of groceries!!!

[NYCorLondon]

We just got back from a look-see visit to NYC ahead of moving next year. We stayed on the UES in the 90s by 1st av, so a quiet residential area, not touristy. But we were gob-smacked by the price of groceries in what looked like normal supermarkets! It was SO expensive, at least 50% more than central London supermarkets. Where on earth do you go grocery shopping? Is it really THAT expensive???

Look online at Freshdirect - they deliver. Also, if you get a car, you can go to big stores not in Manhattan to bulk buy.

You have to get out (way out) to the burbs to do a big monthly shop or join Costco or Sam's. However, you have to factor in the cost of travel and the amount of time such an expedition might take. There are little ethnic groceries and greengroceries that might save you some money, but you might also make shopping your life's work that way.

Everything is taxed in the US, in some places as high as 10%. Large cities (or the counties they are situated in) tend to impose the highest taxes. Baby food, formula, nappies, everything...

Go into New Jersey - River Road - First exit when you come off the GWB has Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Mitsua (Japanese supermarket with ace food court). ShopRite and A&P in Hoboken are also very good for basics.

For ShopRite and A&P check the circular online to see what is on offer and sign up for a loyalty card at each supermarket. ShopRite is normally cheaper than A&P but they are pretty close. The A&P in Hoboken as amazing booze prices when on offer.

We buy meat from Costco (Clifton is probably the closest one) on Rt 3 and nappies from 1-800-diapers. For fomula - Similac is cheapest at costco and if you call them up and plead poverty they will send your manufacturer checks which costco accepts - they do not accept manufacturer coupons so make sure you get the checks!

For baby things target is pretty cheap and if you are in Hoboken doing A&P/ShopRite you can pop down to the one Jersey City by Newport (right by the holland Tunnel) and pick up anything you need before returning to the city. Alternativly it is worth looking at buybuybaby up in Paramus or Totowa. You can use the Bed,Bath and Beyond coupons in there on most things but not essentials (formula, wipes, diapers or toys).

also - I forgot china town - some fab bargins but can be just too exhausting to get a whole weeks worth of food for a family.

So what do you do if you don't have a car? We kind of figured if we lived in Manhattan we wouldn't need one but maybe not?

Buy a chest freezer and do a monthly shop. Rent a car in Hoboken or Jersey city (Enterprise in Hoboken/Dollar in JC or the Hertz hourly scheme in Hoboken on street corners) and return to your apartment with everything. Return car same day for cheaper rate. If you leave early in the morning and pick up your car at 8am you can be done by 1pm. For the fresh fruit, milk and bits you have forgotten you won't need to spend that much.

Chest freezer - Kenmore is generally cheapest when we looked.