You have noticed the total on your receipt rising even when your cart looks the same. It is not just your imagination — food prices have remained stubborn, with specific items like ground beef jumping 15% and orange juice spiking 21% in the last year alone.
But where you live plays a massive role in how much damage a trip to the supermarket does to your wallet. According to recent data from Visual Capitalist, the gap between the most expensive and least expensive states is widening.
While the national average for a weekly grocery run sits at $118, residents in some states are paying nearly 33% more for the exact same basket of goods.
10 most expensive states for groceries
Unsurprisingly, the states with the highest costs often face unique logistical challenges or high costs of living that trickle down to the price of milk and eggs.
1. Hawaii ($157/week)
Living in paradise comes with a premium. Hawaii tops the list with an average weekly bill of $157, which is a staggering 9.6% increase from the previous year. Since the state relies heavily on imports for dairy, bread, and poultry, shipping costs are baked into every price tag.
2. Alaska ($152/week)
Close behind is Alaska, where residents spend $152 weekly. The 8.8% annual increase here is driven by the difficulty of transporting fresh produce to remote areas. In some rural communities, a simple bag of chips can cost upwards of $10.
3. California ($127/week)
The Golden State comes in third. While it is a major agricultural hub, high wages, rent, and utility costs for businesses drive up retail prices. Residents here saw a modest 3.4% increase, but the baseline was already high.
4. Washington ($126/week)
Washington saw an 8.8% jump in prices. Like California, high distribution and labor costs contribute to the sticker shock at the register.
5. Vermont ($124/week)
The first East Coast entry, Vermont’s grocery bills rose 6.3% to reach $124.
6. Florida ($122/week)
Despite being an agricultural state, Florida’s reliance on trucking for distribution and its booming population have kept prices high, with a 6% annual increase.
7. Oregon ($122/week)
Oregon matches Florida in cost, though its annual increase was slightly lower at 5%.
8. Maryland ($122/week)
Maryland residents are paying 4.2% more for groceries than they did a year ago.
9. Montana ($122/week)
Montana saw a sharp 9.5% spike in costs, one of the highest increases on the list.
10. Idaho ($122/week)
Rounding out the top ten, Idaho has seen an influx of new residents and a 7% rise in food costs.
5 of the cheapest states for groceries
If you are looking for relief, look South. The data shows a clear trend: Southern and Midwestern states offer the most relief at the checkout counter, thanks to lower overall costs of living and proximity to food production.
1. Arkansas ($111/week)
Arkansas ranks as the most affordable state for groceries in the nation. Residents here spend about 6% less than the national average.
2. Oklahoma ($111/week)
Oklahoma benefits from a lower cost of living that extends to food prices.
3. Texas ($112/week)
Despite its massive population growth, Texas remains one of the most affordable places to fill a pantry.
4. Mississippi ($112/week)
Mississippi consistently ranks as one of the lowest-cost states for all goods, including groceries.
5. Kansas ($112/week)
The breadbasket of America lives up to its name, offering some of the lowest food prices in the country.
Why location matters
The disparity between Hawaii ($157) and the national average ($118) highlights how much geography impacts your bottom line. It’s not just about shipping, it is about the local cost of doing business. In states like California and Washington, higher minimum wages and real estate costs for grocery stores are passed directly to you.
Conversely, states like Arkansas and Texas benefit from lower operating costs and shorter supply chains for agricultural products.
Strategies to lower the bill
Regardless of where you live, you can take control of your weekly spend.
- Shop the perimeter: Processed foods in the center aisles have seen some of the steepest price hikes. Sticking to whole foods can sometimes mitigate this.
- Check unit prices: Don’t look at the final price; look at the cost per ounce. Manufacturers are shrinking package sizes — a.k.a. shrinkflation — while keeping prices the same. Checking the unit price is often the single most effective way to lower your bill immediately.
- Plan around sales: Let the weekly flyer dictate your menu, rather than buying what you want regardless of price. Meal planning around sales prevents impulse buys and reduces food waste.
The grocery landscape is shifting, and knowing where your state stands can help you budget better for the months ahead.