Comments on: $5 Dinners in California – Really???

By: Donna

Donna — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:48:52 +0000

Food4Less is the best! It is owned by the same company as Ralph’s (Kroger), but is SO much cheaper than Ralph’s it’s not even funny. I’ve found it works best for me to do all of my shopping there and not do so much couponing. I can spend hours gathering and using coupons at Ralph’s and still spend more than I would have at Food4Less. Grocerysmarts.com links up coupons for Food4Less, so that’s about all the couponing I’ll do. The produce at Food4Less is not spectacular, however. Although it’s not a national chain, Frazier Farms in San Diego County has amazing local produce at great prices. Anyway, just wanted to throw in my two cents for Food4Less. I know they are only in the West, but I would recommend trying your local budget grocery store. People seem to get emotionally tied to “their” store even if they are paying 30% more for groceries each week.

By: solarra

solarra — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:55:56 +0000

I just moved from California to Ohio almost 2 years ago and your right food here does seem higher. 5 bucks for a 5 pound bag of potatoes is nuts! I used to shop at Winco when I lived in Sacramento and I miss the heck out of it out here:) Anyone know where some excellent farmer’s markets are in the dayton area?

By: Erica

Erica — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:26:57 +0000

I am so glad to read to posts from those that have relocated OUT of socal and found things more expensive in the long run. We (family of 5) live in Los Angeles (Culver City to be exact) and every time I pay our $1600 rent on our 2 bedroom apt. I think to myself it’s time to leave and go somewhere cheaper. Nice to know that things even out in the end.

I find produce is cheaper here – where else in the country can you buy a lb of strawberries for 1.50 right now?And the big grocery bag of meyer lemons I got free from my friends backyard is a huge bonus! The big Hispanic Supermarket in our neighborhood is a great place to save money on meat, produce, bulk rice and beans and other things. Ethnic groceries abound in LA and they are a wonderful resource. Check them out where you live in your part of the country.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:03:55 +0000

My husband is in seminary in Pasadena, CA (outside of LA). We moved here from Texas last year. And, while at first it seemed like we would never be able to save money on groceries, after figuring things out, I am spending considerably LESS here than I was in Texas.

At one of our local stores, boneless, skinless chicken leg meat is regulary on sale for $.89 per lb… I can buy 5 lbs for less than $5, have the hubby grill them up, and be set for our lunches and several dinners for a whole week. I regularly make dinners for much less than $5 that feed the both of us at least once, plus provide my husband with lunches for the week.

It is totally do-able to make $5 dinners in LA!!

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:51:02 +0000

If I would have known what my family had we would have NEVER moved out of CA. We thought moving out of state to TN would save us so much money. WRONG!!! Our bills are way more here then they were in CA. Go figure. My grocery bill increased by 5x and of course we know have a huge utility bill running either the heater or a/c. Oh, I miss CA….

By: Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom

Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:47:32 +0000

@B, Thanks for that tip B!

By: Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom

Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:47:04 +0000

@Larissa, I've heard many a complaint from Canadian readers Larissa. It's unfortunate that the grocery stores in Canada don't double.

By: arianna

arianna — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:27:35 +0000

I live near San Francisco and I do think that groceries are more expensive here.
Thanks to people like you I started saving money, but it’s not easy and all the stores around here (with the exception of Safeway), are very difficult when I tried to use coupons. Target is the worst…I had many arguments with their cashiers.
I am glad that I run across your sites, which I really enjoy as they challenge me to spend less for food without compromising on quality.

By: Liz

Liz — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:48:09 +0000

Mmmm I am so jealous of the fresh produce! Can’t wait for spring!!!

By: Melissa Stoltzfus, PA

Melissa Stoltzfus, PA — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:42:38 +0000

@Jaime Davis, What to do with Drumsticks: stick them in a 9x13 pan, topping of choice (bbq sauce or a seasoned salt for crispy), and bake at 350F for 45-60 minutes. My guys LOVE this meal and I make it often.