Do you pay more for your food shop because of where you live? Plus: how to keep costs down, wherever your postcode

The cost of living is still squeezing household budgets, and food shopping remains one of the biggest pressures.

Government figures show that in November 2025, 61% of adults in Great Britain reported their cost of living had increased compared with the previous month. Of those who saw costs rise, 95% said higher food prices were to blame.

If your weekly shop feels more expensive than ever, you’re not imagining it. And according to new research from Aldi, where you live could be making things even worse.

The supermarket’s analysis suggests families in more than 200 towns across the UK are paying hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of pounds extra each year on groceries simply because of their postcode.

What’s behind the ‘postcode penalty’?

Aldi found that households living in areas without a nearby Aldi spend, on average, £826 more per year on food shopping. In places where shoppers only have access to the most expensive supermarkets, that figure rises to £2,437 a year.

The findings are based on price comparisons from Which?, using a typical 68-item shopping basket. Aldi’s prices were compared with the average of major UK supermarkets, as well as the most expensive supermarket.

The research covered every region of the UK, including:

• 35 towns in the South East
• 30 in the East of England
• 25 in Scotland

It comes as Which? named Aldi the UK’s cheapest supermarket for the fifth year in a row.

So, if moving closer to a cheaper supermarket isn’t an option, what can you do to cut costs?

How to reduce your food shopping bill, wherever you live

1. Choose supermarket own-brand products

Own-brand or ‘value’ ranges are usually far cheaper than branded items. They’re often made by the same manufacturers, so you’re unlikely to notice a difference in taste or quality.

2. Check the reduced section

Yellow-sticker discounts can slash prices by up to 75%, especially in the evening. Look for reduced bread, meat and ready meals that can be frozen if you don’t need them straight away.

3. Plan meals before you shop

Decide what you’re going to eat for the week and write a shopping list to match.
Sticking to a list helps avoid impulse buys, last-minute takeaways and food waste.

4. Base meals around cheap staples

Ingredients like pasta, rice, lentils, tinned tomatoes and beans are budget-friendly and versatile. They can form the base of countless meals, from curries to soups and pasta dishes.

5. Swap instead of sacrifice

If a particular ingredient has shot up in price, look for alternatives rather than cutting it out entirely. For example, could oil or margarine replace butter? Could chicken thighs work instead of breasts?

6. Cook in batches

Batch cooking saves time and money. Freeze leftovers in single portions so you always have a cheap, homemade meal ready. It’s far cheaper, and usually healthier, than ready meals or takeaways.

7. Use food waste apps

Apps such as Too Good To Go and Olio let you buy or collect surplus food from cafés, shops and neighbours. You can pick up heavily discounted food, or even get items for free.

8. Make loyalty schemes work for you

Supermarket loyalty cards can unlock discounts, vouchers and personalised offers. Just be careful not to buy things you don’t need, as a deal is only a saving if you planned to buy it anyway.

9. Buy wonky and frozen fruit and veg

Odd-shaped vegetables taste just as good and are often cheaper. Frozen veg is also great value, lasts longer and helps cut waste.

10. Compare prices online

Many supermarkets list prices online, making it easier to compare the cost of key items before you shop.

11. Avoid shopping when hungry

It sounds simple, but shopping on an empty stomach makes impulse buys far more likely.

While your postcode may influence how much you spend, small changes to how you shop can still make a big difference.