How much can I save shopping at the commissary?

Average savings is 23.7% compared to civilian grocery stores (per DeCA). For a family spending $600/month on groceries, that's $1,700/year in savings, even after the 5% surcharge.

Is the commissary always cheaper?

Not always. Some items (especially sale items at civilian stores) may be cheaper off-base. But for staples and bulk purchases, the commissary consistently saves 20-25%.

What about sales tax savings?

The Exchange doesn't charge sales tax, saving 5-10% depending on your state. This alone can save military families $500-$1,000 annually on major purchases.

Free Tool

On-Base Savings Calculator

Estimate your annual Commissary and Exchange savings using published DeCA and AAFES rates.

On-Base Shopping Savings Estimate

This calculator uses published savings rates from DeCA (Defense Commissary Agency) and AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service). Actual savings vary by shopping habits and location.

Data Source

DeCA / AAFES

Savings Rate

~25% avg (DeCA)

Confidence

Good

Commissary Spending

Average savings: 25% vs civilian stores

Monthly Grocery Spending

Total monthly spending on groceries and household items

Estimated Annual Commissary Savings$1,800

Exchange Spending

Tax-free shopping + MILITARY STAR card benefits

Your Local Sales Tax Rate (%)

Example rates: CA ~8.5%, TX ~6.5%, FL ~6%, NY ~8%

Annual Major Purchases

Electronics, furniture, appliances

Annual Clothing & Apparel

Clothing, shoes, accessories for family

Weekly Gas (Gallons)

MILITARY STAR card: 5¢/gallon discount

Tax Savings$224

STAR Card Gas Savings$39

Annual Savings Estimate

Commissary Savings

$1,800

25% avg savings rate

Exchange Savings

$263

Tax-free + STAR benefits

Total Annual Savings

$2,063

Monthly

$172

Weekly

$40

Per Paycheck

$86

Important Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates based on published average savings rates from DeCA and AAFES. Actual savings vary significantly based on shopping habits, product choices, and comparison to local civilian stores. Commissary savings rates are averages and may not reflect your specific purchases. Use this as a general planning tool only.

Commissary Benefits

Average 25% savings vs civilian grocery stores (DeCA estimate)
5% surcharge funds commissary operations and improvements
Best selection on Tuesday-Thursday mornings
Case lot sales offer additional bulk discounts

Exchange Benefits

Tax-free shopping saves your local sales tax rate on all purchases
MILITARY STAR card: 5¢/gallon fuel discount at base gas stations
Exchange earnings fund MWR programs and facilities
Price match available at many locations (check local policy)

Official Shopping Resources

Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) →Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) →Navy Exchange (NEX) →Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) →

Savings estimates based on published DeCA/AAFES data. Commissary 25% average savings rate from commissaries.com. MILITARY STAR 5¢/gallon discount from shopmyexchange.com.