Study: The Most Frugal Cities in America

Across the United States, many households are tightening their belts, cutting expenses, and searching for more intentional ways to spend. Recent survey data from major U.S. cities show that a large majority of Americans now identify as frugal, and some metropolitan areas stand out for turning frugal habits into a consistent way of life.

This article breaks down which cities are leading in frugality, how residents are saving on everyday purchases, and practical strategies you can adopt to stretch your income further—without feeling like you are constantly sacrificing.

Key Takeaways

• More than 4 in 5 Americans consider themselves frugal, reflecting widespread concern about living costs and financial stability.
• Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; and Phoenix, AZ rank among the most frugal cities based on reported spending and saving behavior.
• About two-thirds of Americans have paused or canceled at least one subscription in the last year to save money.
• Nearly 3 in 5 regularly use coupons, promo codes, cash-back apps, or price comparison tools when they shop.
• Americans report being most frugal on clothing, entertainment and subscriptions, and groceries, with dining out and household supplies also high on the list.
• Buying store brands and using coupons are the most commonly used money-saving tactics.
• Nearly 1 in 5 say their frugal habits have strained relationships, highlighting the emotional side of financial trade-offs.

How the Study Measured Frugality

To understand where Americans are most budget-conscious, the original study surveyed residents across 40 large U.S. cities and asked detailed questions about their spending behaviors, savings strategies, and financial trade-offs.

Researchers focused on several key areas:

• Which categories (e.g., groceries, clothing, entertainment) people are most likely to cut back on
• How often they use coupons, promo codes, and price comparison tools
• Whether they cook at home or rely on restaurants and takeout
• How they manage subscriptions and recurring services
• Common tactics such as buying store brands, reducing energy use, or delaying big purchases

Responses were assigned points for behaviors that aligned with frugal habits—for example, frequently choosing generic brands, regularly using coupons, or actively lowering utility usage. These scores were then averaged by city and scaled from 0 to 100, where 100 represents the most frugal possible score.

While the frugality score is unique to the study, it is supported by broader evidence that many U.S. households are cutting discretionary expenses and adjusting spending due to inflation and higher living costs.

Where Americans Are Most Budget-Conscious

Frugality today is less about extreme penny-pinching and more about balancing current needs with long-term financial security. Surveys by consumer and central bank researchers show that households increasingly adjust spending, seek lower prices, and use savings tools as a response to persistent inflation.

Within this broader shift, some cities stand out for turning frugal strategies into everyday routines. The top-ranking cities illustrate how residents adapt to local conditions—such as high housing costs or extreme weather—while still finding ways to trim their budgets.

Top 3 Most Frugal Cities

1. Seattle, WA – Frugality Score: 98.6/100

Seattle ranks as the most frugal city in the study, driven largely by its residents’ commitment to cooking at home. Respondents in Seattle reported preparing at least 14 meals per week in their own kitchens—equivalent to nearly every lunch and dinner.

This habit matters because food away from home (restaurants and takeout) tends to cost substantially more per meal than home-cooked options, especially when factoring in tips and delivery fees.

Common frugal behaviors associated with Seattle residents include:

• Planning several days of meals at once to reduce impulse food purchases
• Buying ingredients in bulk or on sale and freezing leftovers
• Using store loyalty programs and digital coupons to lower grocery bills
• Brewing coffee at home instead of relying on daily cafe purchases

In a city known for its high cost of living and expensive housing, these habits help residents redirect more of their income toward rent, savings, or debt repayment.

2. Denver, CO – Frugality Score: 98.1/100

Denver closely follows Seattle, but for a different mix of habits. A striking 98% of surveyed residents said they frequently buy store-brand or generic products to keep grocery costs down. On top of that, around 85% regularly use coupons, promo codes, or price-matching tools when shopping.

These tactics align with broader findings that households increasingly trade down to lower-priced brands and seek deals as prices rise.

Denver’s frugal strengths include:

• Choosing generic versions of staples like pantry items, cleaning supplies, and over-the-counter medicine
• Stacking coupons with sale prices at supermarkets and big-box retailers
• Using apps and browser extensions to automatically find promo codes
• Comparing prices across stores or online sellers before making major purchases

By aiming for a lower price on nearly every purchase, Denver residents demonstrate how incremental savings on routine expenses can add up significantly over time.

3. Phoenix, AZ – Frugality Score: 97+

Phoenix residents stand out for their energy-saving strategies, which are critical in a climate where summer temperatures routinely exceed 100°F. Survey respondents were especially likely to set thermostats at specific, money-conscious temperatures rather than keeping air conditioning on its coldest setting.

Energy experts note that even modest thermostat adjustments can meaningfully reduce electricity use, especially during hot months. Phoenix households appear to have internalized these recommendations, using temperature control as a major lever for savings.

Common frugal energy habits include:

• Keeping thermostats a few degrees higher in summer and using fans for comfort
• Closing blinds during peak sunlight to keep homes cooler
• Running major appliances (like dishwashers) during off-peak rate periods
• Sealing leaks around windows and doors to improve efficiency

While energy costs can be a large and volatile part of household budgets, Phoenix’s habits show how focused changes can limit monthly utility bills without eliminating comfort.

Who Considers Themselves Frugal?

The study also asked respondents whether they consider themselves frugal, independent of their specific behaviors. More than 4 in 5 Americans said yes, suggesting that frugality has become a mainstream identity rather than a niche trait.

Certain groups were even more likely to adopt the frugal label:

• Millennials and baby boomers stood out as the age groups most likely to describe themselves as frugal.
• Households with annual incomes below $65,000 were especially likely to identify as frugal, reflecting the pressure on lower- and middle-income families from rising living costs.

Other research confirms that households with tighter budgets are more prone to cutting discretionary purchases, delaying big-ticket items, and using tools like coupons and discounts to maintain their standard of living.

Categories Where Americans Are Most Frugal

When asked which areas of their life they are most frugal in, Americans reported five standout categories. These are the spending areas where people most often cut back, seek deals, or make substitutions to save money.

• Clothing
• Entertainment and subscriptions
• Groceries
• Dining out and takeout
• Household supplies

Clothing

Clothing is one of the most flexible categories in many budgets, making it a common target for cuts. Respondents reported strategies such as:

• Shopping sales or clearance racks instead of buying full price
• Using resale platforms, consignment stores, or thrift shops
• Focusing on durable basics rather than trend-driven pieces
• Repairing or tailoring items to extend their life

Shifting toward secondhand purchases aligns with broader consumer trends of seeking value and reducing waste, especially during periods of high inflation.

Entertainment and Subscriptions

Streaming platforms, online services, and subscription boxes have multiplied in recent years. Many households now reassess these recurring charges, opting to trim what they do not regularly use.

Survey data indicate that around two-thirds of Americans paused or canceled a paid subscription in the last year, often to reduce monthly expenses or simplify their financial lives.

Common frugal moves include:

• Rotating streaming services instead of keeping multiple platforms year-round
• Canceling rarely used subscriptions and memberships
• Switching to free or ad-supported versions of services
• Sharing family plans where terms allow

Groceries

With food prices rising faster than many other categories over the past few years, groceries are a central focus for household cost-cutting. In the study, Americans reported being highly frugal when shopping for food at home, using tactics such as:

• Buying store-brand or generic items instead of national brands
• Using coupons, loyalty programs, and digital promotions
• Planning meals based on what is on sale
• Reducing food waste by freezing leftovers or repurposing ingredients

These behaviors are especially pronounced in cities like Denver and Seattle, where residents pair at-home cooking with aggressive price-conscious shopping.

Dining Out and Takeout

Dining out remains one of the easiest places to overspend. Many Americans report cutting back on restaurant meals and takeout orders in favor of home-cooked meals, especially on weeknights.

Common strategies include:

• Limiting dining out to special occasions or specific days of the month
• Choosing lunch over dinner when eating out, since lunch menus are often cheaper
• Skipping appetizers and drinks, or sharing dishes
• Using coupons and limited-time promotions at restaurants

Household Supplies

Americans also report frugality when buying everyday household supplies such as cleaning products, paper goods, and toiletries. Tactics include:

• Buying in bulk when unit prices are lower
• Switching to generic or store-brand versions of basic items
• Using price-comparison tools to find better deals online or at warehouse clubs
• Stretching use (for example, using slightly less detergent than the maximum suggested amount)

Most Popular Money-Saving Tactics

The study highlights several tactics that Americans use most often to stay frugal without feeling completely deprived. These strategies focus on paying less for the same product or service, rather than cutting it entirely.

Buying Store Brands

Store brands and generics are consistently among the most-used savings tools. In many categories—such as pantry staples, cleaning supplies, or nonprescription medicine—store-brand items are produced to comparable standards but cost significantly less than name brands.

Choosing generics for everyday needs can lower total spending without major lifestyle changes, especially when combined with sales and coupons.

Using Coupons and Promo Codes

Coupons, promo codes, and cash-back apps are another major pillar of frugal behavior. Consumers increasingly rely on digital tools that automatically scan for discounts, apply promo codes at checkout, or provide cash back on specific categories.

Research on consumer behavior during periods of higher prices shows greater use of deal-seeking and discount strategies as households adjust to inflation.

Typical tactics include:

• Using supermarket apps to clip digital coupons before shopping
• Installing browser extensions that automatically test available codes online
• Using cash-back apps linked to credit or debit cards for qualifying purchases
• Stacking store promotions with manufacturer coupons when possible

Managing Subscriptions Proactively

With recurring charges becoming a major budget line item, proactive subscription management is a core frugal skill. Americans are increasingly:

• Reviewing their card or bank statements regularly for forgotten subscriptions
• Canceling or pausing services they do not use enough to justify the cost
• Switching to lower-cost tiers or annual plans when they genuinely use a service often
• Sharing family or multi-user plans when terms allow

The Emotional Side of Frugality

While frugal habits support long-term financial health, they can also create tensions. Nearly 1 in 5 respondents said their frugal habits have negatively impacted relationships—for example, disagreements about spending on social events, vacations, or gifts.

This underscores an important reality: money decisions are not purely mathematical. Balancing saving with quality of life often requires clear communication and shared priorities within households or friend groups.

Embrace Frugality While Earning Cash Back

The cities that score highest on frugality do not rely on extreme measures. Instead, they follow consistent, everyday habits that add up over time: cooking at home, buying store brands, using coupons, managing energy use, and cutting wasteful subscriptions.

One way to make those habits even more powerful is to combine them with cash-back or rewards credit cards used responsibly. When you pay balances in full each month, rewards cards can effectively reduce the net cost of your spending, especially in high-volume categories like groceries or gas.

Potential benefits of pairing frugality with a good rewards card include:

• Earning cash back on purchases you would make anyway (such as food, fuel, and bills)
• Using travel rewards points to offset the cost of flights or hotels
• Gaining access to additional perks like extended warranties or purchase protection on some cards

However, rewards only help if you avoid interest charges and fees. Consumer financial regulators stress that carrying high-interest balances can quickly wipe out any benefit from rewards programs.

Methodology

The frugality rankings referenced in this article are based on a survey of residents from 40 of the largest cities in the United States. Participants were asked about:

• The areas of life in which they consider themselves very frugal
• Recent money-saving actions they have taken
• The tools and tactics they use, such as coupons, store brands, and energy conservation
• How often they cook at home versus eating out
• How they manage subscriptions and recurring expenses

Responses that reflected clearly frugal behavior—such as frequently using coupons, regularly purchasing generic brands, or intentionally reducing utility usage—were assigned positive points. Researchers then calculated an average frugality score for each city and adjusted the results to a 0–100 scale, where higher scores represent more frugal habits.

While this methodology relies on self-reported behavior, it aligns with external data on consumer responses to inflation, including increased deal-seeing, trading down to store brands, and reducing discretionary purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does it mean to be a frugal city?

A: A frugal city is one where residents frequently engage in cost-saving behaviors—like cooking at home, buying store brands, using coupons, and managing subscriptions—often as part of their routine rather than as one-time measures.

Q: Why are Seattle, Denver, and Phoenix ranked as most frugal?

A: Seattle ranks highly because residents cook much of their food at home. Denver stands out for widespread use of store brands and coupons, while Phoenix residents use energy-saving thermostat settings and other efficiency measures to reduce utility bills.

Q: How can I be more frugal without feeling deprived?

A: Focus on paying less for the same outcome instead of cutting everything you enjoy. That can include buying generics, timing purchases around sales, canceling unused subscriptions, and using cash-back or rewards cards responsibly so essentials cost you less overall.

Q: Do frugal habits really make a big financial difference?

A: Yes. While any single change might feel small, combining multiple habits—like cooking at home, using coupons, trimming subscriptions, and using efficient appliances—can generate hundreds or even thousands of dollars in yearly savings, which can be redirected to savings or debt repayment.

Q: Is using a cash-back credit card always a good idea for frugal people?

A: It can be helpful if you pay your balance in full every month. In that case, rewards effectively discount your spending. But if you carry a balance and incur high interest, the cost of that interest typically overwhelms any benefit from rewards.

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Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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