Weekly Grocery Budget in Melbourne: Aldi vs Coles vs Woolworths for Students ?

There's a moment, usually in your first week in Melbourne, when you stand in a supermarket aisle holding two jars of pasta sauce that are $2 apart and think: how much am I supposed to spend on food here?

It's a fair question, and the answer isn't "whatever the card says." Food is one of the few big costs you can actually control, and the supermarket you choose makes a real difference. Here's what recent price surveys show about Aldi, Coles and Woolworths, how to build a sensible weekly budget and the small habits that save the most.

Prices change weekly and vary by store, so treat the figures below as a guide. Always compare the shelf price and the unit price in your own store.

Which supermarket is cheapest?

Short answer: Aldi is usually cheapest, but the gap depends on what you buy and how you measure it.

Here's what 2026 comparisons found:

The baskets are different in each survey, which is why the dollar amounts don't match, but the pattern does. Across these sources, Aldi came out cheapest, usually by somewhere in the range of 10% to 25% depending on the basket.

Coles vs Woolworths: they're very close. Most comparisons find them within a few percent of each other, and the winner changes from week to week depending on which has the better specials. In one CHOICE survey, Woolworths was a little cheaper on a base basket, while in other weeks Coles was.

Home brand: the gap shrinks a lot. One home-brand comparison found Aldi at about $55, Coles about $57 and Woolworths about $57, a difference of only a couple of dollars. If you're already buying home brand at Coles or Woolworths, you won't lose much.

Brands: Aldi stocks fewer big brands. If you must have a particular brand of cereal or coffee, Coles or Woolworths may have it, and half-price specials can beat Aldi on a single item.

What should a student budget per week?

There's no official number, because it depends on your diet, how often you eat out and whether you share costs with housemates. As a rough planning range for one student cooking most meals at home, $70 to $110 a week is a reasonable starting point. This is my estimate based on typical basket prices, not an official figure. You might spend less if you shop at Aldi, buy in bulk and share staples, and more if you buy meat, fresh seafood, snacks or specialty foods.

Track your actual spending for three weeks, then adjust. Our guides to moving on a budget and furnishing a room cheaply show other places to save.

Where each supermarket shines

Aldi

• Best for: pantry staples, dairy, frozen food, bread, cleaning products and home brand items.

• Pros: consistently low prices, less price variation week to week and a good "Special Buys" aisle.

• Cons: fewer big brands, a smaller range and fewer stores in some inner suburbs, so check your area.

Coles

• Best for: half-price specials, a bigger range and brands you can't find at Aldi.

• Pros: frequent promotions, many stores and online ordering.

• Cons: shelf prices can be higher outside specials.

Woolworths

• Best for: specials, a wide range and rewards offers.

• Pros: frequent promotions, many locations and online ordering.

• Cons: similar to Coles on regular prices.

The smart option: split your shop

Many budget shoppers buy staples at Aldi, then top up at Coles or Woolworths when something they actually use is on special. Only do this if the stores are close to your route, so you're not spending more on transport or time.

A sample weekly shopping list

Here's an example list for one person cooking at home. It's a template, not a price quote.

• Carbs: rice, pasta, oats, bread, potatoes.

• Protein: eggs, chicken thighs or mince, canned tuna, lentils or chickpeas, tofu.

• Dairy and alternatives: milk, cheese, yoghurt.

• Fruit and veg: bananas, apples, carrots, onions, tomatoes, spinach, frozen vegetables.

• Flavor: oil, soy sauce, spices, canned tomatoes, stock.

• Extras: tea or coffee, one or two snacks.

Frozen vegetables and canned beans are cheap, last longer and are just as nutritious.

Ways to save more

1. Check unit prices. The price per 100 grams or per litre on the shelf tag is the fairest way to compare sizes and brands.

2. Buy home brand. It's often the same quality for less, and the gap between stores is small.

3. Plan your meals. A rough weekly plan reduces food waste, which is money in the bin.

4. Shop with a list, and eat before you go.

5. Cook in batches. Make a big pot of curry, soup or pasta sauce and freeze portions.

6. Buy seasonal produce. It's cheaper and tastes better.

7. Try Melbourne's fresh markets. Queen Victoria Market, Footscray Market and Preston Market are well known for fresh fruit and vegetables, especially near closing time. Check opening days and hours before you go.

8. Look for reduced items. Supermarkets mark down items near their use-by date. Check them and eat or freeze them quickly.

9. Use free loyalty programs, if you'll actually benefit. Don't buy things you don't need just for points.

10. Share with housemates. Staples like rice, oil and spices are cheaper when you split them.

11. Limit takeaway and coffee. Small purchases add up fast.

12. Check student discounts at supermarkets and nearby shops.

Mistakes that blow your budget

• Shopping hungry. You'll buy more snacks and convenience foods.

• Buying only on special. A "half price" item you don't need isn't a saving.

• Ignoring unit prices. Bigger isn't always cheaper.

• Wasting food. Throwing out leftovers and spoiled produce is the biggest hidden cost.

• Buying everything at the nearest convenience store. It's usually more expensive.

• Paying for delivery every week. Fees add up, so compare with going in person.

• Not tracking spending. Without numbers, it's hard to improve.

Quick answers

Is Aldi cheaper than Coles and Woolworths?

In most 2026 comparisons, yes, often by around 10% to 25% on a basket of staples, though it depends on the items.

Is Coles or Woolworths cheaper?

They're very close, and the winner changes depending on specials.

How much should a student spend on groceries in Melbourne?

A rough planning range for one person cooking at home is $70 to $110 a week. Adjust for your habits.

Is home brand worth it?

Usually yes. It's cheaper, and the price gap between stores is small.

Are markets cheaper?

Often for fresh fruit and vegetables, especially late in the day. Check each market's opening times.

Do I need to shop at two supermarkets?

Not necessarily. It only makes sense if both are convenient.