Which U.S. States Have the Highest Grocery Costs and Why

The average American spends $270.21 per week on groceries, though that number is higher for residents of states like California, Nevada, and Mississippi.

That’s according to an analysis by HelpAdvisor of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey data, which covers food prepared and eaten at home for nearly 80,000 households from Oct. 18 to Oct. 30, 2023. Prices for goods and services have come down considerably in 2023 and 2024 following decades-high inflation, but shoppers are still feeling the sting of high prices on their grocery runs.

Key Takeaways

• California, Nevada, and Mississippi are among the states where residents spend the most on groceries.
• Miami, Houston, and Riverside top the list of major metro areas with the highest grocery costs.
• The cost of living is an important factor that can affect grocery bills, no matter where you live.
• There are ways to save money on groceries, no matter where you live. One tip: try to comparison shop.

The States With the Highest Grocery Costs

The amount you shell out for everything from eggs to peanut butter depends on where you live. Below are the 10 states with the highest grocery costs, as well as how much the average shopper in each state spends per week.

• California: $297.72
• Nevada: $294.76
• Mississippi: $290.64
• Washington: $287.67
• Florida: $287.27
• New Mexico: $286.39
• Texas: $286.19
• Louisiana: $282.95
• Colorado: $279.98
• Oklahoma: $279.16

In California, the overall cost of living can drive food prices higher. Supermarkets pass on their costs to the communities they serve. When combined with factors such as green policies, high transportation costs from high fuel costs, tariffs, and environmental conditions such as droughts, the costs can snowball.

Despite where you live, the more people you feed, the bigger your bills. The analysis found that households with children spend an average of $331.94 per week–41% more than households without children. A four-person household spends an average of $315.22 per week on groceries.

Cities With Highest Grocery Bills

Weekly grocery spending for the largest U.S. cities showed some disparities between city and state spending.

1. Miami: $327.89
2. Houston: $302.65
3. Riverside, California: $300.50
4. San Francisco: $298.44
5. Los Angeles: $295.33
6. Seattle: $289.23
7. New York: $282.60
8. Dallas: $282.21
9. Chicago: $278.91
10. Atlanta: $277.54

How to Save on Groceries

Despite high prices, there are steps you can take to save on food. Here are four tips for saving money at the grocery store.

1. Go to the Store With a Plan

If you walk into the grocery store without a list, it’s easy to throw more than you need into your cart. Set yourself a budget for the shopping trip, make a list of the items you need, and try to stick with purchasing only what you’ve outlined ahead of time.

2. Compare Stores

While it’s easy to stick to one grocery store for all of your shopping, being flexible about where you shop can pay off. Different stores may offer lower prices. Search online for discounts and go from store to store to find the best prices.

3. Buy in Bulk

Purchasing in bulk can help save you money. Big-box retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club offer low prices for bulk products. If you use everything up, this could save you money, compared to buying everything individually or in smaller quantities. But remember, buying in bulk can come with hidden costs.

To help make sure your food doesn’t go bad, start with buying nonperishable items in bulk.

4. Find Alternatives

Sometimes you can swap out one ingredient for another less expensive one. If you notice that certain items are particularly pricey, research what you could use as a substitute. If you see an item on sale while shopping, check your list to see if there are more expensive items you could replace with the discounted product.

The Bottom Line

Depending on the state you live in, you may be paying more at the grocery store than others across the country. But sticking to your shopping plan—and being flexible when necessary—can help you spend less. Try out these tips, then track your spending week-to-week. You just may be surprised at how much you’re saving.