What States Spend the Most (and Least) on Groceries?

States vary significantly in grocery spending due to factors like cost of living, food prices, and household income. Hawaii consistently leads in grocery spending due to high import costs and overall living expenses. Alaska, California, and New York also rank high for similar reasons. Conversely, states like Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia spend the least, reflecting lower food prices and incomes.
In 2023, grocery spending varies significantly across U.S. states. Generally, states with higher living costs, such as Hawaii and California, tend to spend the most on groceries due to the higher cost of living and food prices. Hawaii consistently ranks at the top due to its remote location and reliance on imports.
1. 5 states with the highest average weekly grocery bills
- Hawaii: Due to its remote location, Hawaii incurs substantial transportation costs for food imports, which drives up supermarket prices considerably.
- According to Real Simple, the U.S. Census Bureau has identified five states with the highest grocery bills.
- Alaska: Like Hawaii, Alaska has high grocery prices due to its distant location and reliance on imported supplies.
- California: Higher grocery expenses are caused by a number of variables, such as the state’s high cost of living overall, high labor costs, and high taxes.
- Nevada: The state’s dependence on imported product and arid climate may further contribute to rising grocery costs.
- Mississippi: Although the state has a lower cost of living overall, Mississippi has significant difficulties with food access and distribution, especially in rural regions, which drives up supermarket prices.

2. 5 states with lowest average weekly grocery bills
- Iowa: Lower grocery prices are a result of Iowa’s robust agriculture industry and effective distribution systems.
- Wisconsin: Wisconsin has reasonably priced supermarket selections, a thriving agricultural sector, and easy access to fresh, locally grown produce.
- Nebraska: Like Iowa, Nebraska maintains cheap grocery prices thanks to its agricultural economy and effective distribution networks.
- Indiana: Lower grocery prices in Indiana are a result of a number of variables, such as effective distribution networks and reduced labor expenses.
- South Dakota: reduced grocery prices are a result of the state’s reduced cost of living and easy access to reasonably priced, locally produced goods.
3.These 5 states spend the most on groceries per week
New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the average American household spends $270.21 per week on groceries, while spending $109.21 per week on food out.
The data was collected in October 2023.
As one would assume, households with more people tended to spend more on groceries. On average, a single-person household spent $156.02 a week on domestic food.
Typically, a household with two people would spend $220.82 on groceries per week. Families with kids spent more than $331 on groceries each week, compared to $234.57 for those without kids. The information also revealed which states typically had the highest grocery prices.
With an average food bill of $297, California has the highest costs. On the other end of the spectrum, Wisconsin had the lowest grocery bills. There, the typical shopping bill for a household was $221.
4. How Much Americans Spend on Groceries in Each State
Hawaii spends more than $5,500 a year on groceries, more than any other state (most because of import prices).
Alaska: $4,500 to $5,000 (costs vary depending on remote area).California, New York, and Massachusetts: $4,000 to $4,500 because of the high cost of living and urbanization.
Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia are the states with the lowest grocery spending, spending $3,000 or less a year due to cheaper prices and lower incomes.
$3,000 to $3,500 in Kentucky, Alabama, and Oklahoma, which represents reasonable eating costs.
Average for the Nation: The average annual grocery budget for Americans is around $4,000, though this varies greatly by state and family size.
Conclusion:
Geographical location, transportation expenses, municipal taxes, and the availability of fresh fruit are some of the factors that affect grocery prices, which vary greatly across the United States. Grocery prices are typically highest in states like Hawaii and Alaska because of their distant locations and reliance on imported commodities. Conversely, states like Iowa, Wisconsin, and Nebraska that have robust agriculture industries and effective distribution systems typically have lower grocery prices.
FAQs:
1.How do grocery prices differ across regions?
Grocery prices can fluctuate depending on local supply chains, production costs, and demand. For example, coastal states like California and Hawaii often face higher costs for imported goods, which affects grocery spending.
2. Do residents in urban areas spend more on groceries than those in rural areas?
Grocery prices are frequently higher in urban locations, which results in increased food expenditures. Though commuting to large grocery stores may result in higher spending, supermarket prices may be lower in rural locations.
3. Do larger households spend more on groceries?
Yes, because larger households need to buy more food, their shopping expenses are typically greater. Grocery spending is typically greater in states with larger average household sizes.