Where Can I Find a Prison Commissary Price List for Inmates?

Finding commissary pricing before deciding how much to send is a smart first step, and the availability of that information depends heavily on the type of facility your inmate is in.

Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities are the most transparent. Most post their commissary lists directly on the BOP website or on the individual facility page, and InmateAid maintains commissary information as well for reference. Here is a commissary price list for FCI Allenwood.

State prison systems vary considerably. Some states publish full commissary lists online while others make it difficult to find any pricing at all. County jails are the least likely to post this information publicly, and in most cases you will need to ask the facility directly or rely on what your inmate tells you.

On how much to send, $75 per week is a reasonable general guide for the spending limit at most facilities, though some set it higher and some lower. The more important question is how much actually needs to go in. The facility provides food, basic hygiene supplies, and clothing, so the trust account is not covering survival basics. Commissary is for the extras that make the time more bearable.

Experienced families tend to prioritize in a logical order. Sneakers are usually the first significant purchase because facility-issued footwear is uncomfortable for extended daily use. A radio comes next for many inmates as it provides entertainment and a connection to the outside world during the long stretches of idle time. Beyond those two priorities, sweets, snacks, and additional hygiene items are nice to have but not urgent.

One important caution. Sending too much too fast can create an unintended burden. An inmate with a well-funded account can become a target of manipulation or pressure from other inmates.