Is a vegan diet more expensive than a regular diet?

Summary

Research suggests that vegan diets built around whole foods are generally up to 22-34% cheaper in high-income countries (Springmann et al., 2021, Lancet Planetary Health). However, the SAME study found plant-based diets are 18-29% MORE expensive in low- and middle-income countries. Whether a vegan diet saves money depends heavily on where you live, what you currently eat, and what plant foods are locally available. The 'veganism is cheaper' claim is true for many people reading this in wealthy countries — but it is NOT a universal truth, and presenting it as one undermines credibility with people who face real economic barriers than typical Western diets in high-income countries, potentially reducing food costs by up to one-third. However, costs vary by region, and in some lower-income countries, healthy plant-based diets can be more expensive than current local diets.