Are Groceries cheaper in Houston than Austin? (appointed, sales) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

swiminpenumbra · 10-03-2011, 08:02 PM

Alright,
My wife and I belong to the American Working Class, and I normally cook tons of fresh veggies for my kids.
We noticed that groceries here in Austin are more expensive than LA, California, which is kind of something I wish I could do better. Well, generally speaking, bigger towns should have cheaper groceries; but does this apply to Houston when compared to Austin?
(Just a side note: A few days ago, my cousin, in LA, told me she paid 79 cents a pound for cauliflower, 33 cents for a bundle of green onions, 48 cents for a cucumber, and many other veggies are under 1 dollar a pound.)

Texas User · 10-03-2011, 08:07 PM

It depends where you shop, how you shop, what you buy, coupons, etc.

Texas User · 10-03-2011, 08:09 PM

I am usually the one that has a stack of coupons in the line then other.

Ever watch Extreme Couponing?

swiminpenumbra · 10-03-2011, 08:10 PM

Thank you, Texas User,
So, coupons are the trick? No clue about Extreme Couponing.

Texas User · 10-03-2011, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swiminpenumbra

Thank you, Texas User,
So, coupons are the trick? No clue about Extreme Couponing.

What stores do you shop at?

I like Walmart and H.E.B.

swiminpenumbra · 10-03-2011, 09:35 PM

Well, same as you. But I buy tons of Asian veggies too.
Thanks again.

chicagomama · 10-03-2011, 09:58 PM

In my very humble opinion, there are not many coupons for non-processed foods. Once in a while you will get one for cuties mandarin oranges, or a pint of cherry tomatoes, but it's rare to find enough coupons for fresh veggies to make it be "extreme."

I also try to serve fresh fruits and veggies for not so expensive, and the only tricks I have found have been to 1) join a CSA 2) shop the big sales at all of the stores (requiring maybe 3 trips to different supermarkets each week to grab the seasonal fruit on sale).

I am a little disappointed in the produce here because Texas is such an agricultural state- it seems like a lot of the fruits and veggies have been sitting around for a while and are not great quality. Michigan has amazing produce... NOLA has great produce.... California has great produce... Houston... meh.. it's OK.

testmo · 10-03-2011, 10:01 PM

produce varies hugely according to what store/person you shop at. if the produce isn't "pretty" it may be organic... and that is how nature looks. what is scary are the clone tomatoes all the exact same color and size with the wax spray gloss shine