Average Cost Of Groceries By State [2023] - Zippia (2024)

Average Cost Of Groceries By State [2023] - Zippia (1)

Research Summary: Unless you’re living off the grid with your own flock of chickens and an apocalypse-ready garden, you’ve likely felt the strain of inflation. From $6 eggs to nearly $2 bread, things can add up quickly. There’s no doubt about it; food prices are simply going through the roof.

Of course, not all states are created equal, with some forcing you to spend an outrageous amount on food at the grocery store while others can save you a pretty penny.

To find out more, we’ve investigated the average cost of groceries in each state, and you might be surprised by what we’ve found. According to our research:

RankStateCity analyzed (population)Average monthly cost of groceries per person
1HawaiiHonolulu (337,200)$556.76
2VermontBurlington (42,400)$497.41
3AlaskaAnchorage (291,800)$483.24
4New YorkNew York City (8.17M)$482.87
5West VirginiaCharleston (51,400)$427.19
6MississippiJackson (173,500)$423.33
7South CarolinaCharleston (136,200)$411.29
8MassachusettsBoston (617,600)$406.21
9WashingtonSeattle (608,600)$402.08
10PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia (1.52M)$401.02
11GeorgiaAtlanta (420,000)$397.97
12AlabamaBirmingham (212,200)$397.39
13MinnesotaMinneapolis (382,600)$395.39
14Rhode IslandProvidence (178,000)$390.19
15WisconsinMilwaukee (594,800)$385.97
16DelawareWilmington (70,800)$380.39
17OregonPortland (583,800)$375.41
18MainePortland (66,200)$372.21
19CaliforniaLos Angeles (4.79M)$370.96
20FloridaJacksonville (880,600)$364.25
21IowaDes Moines (215,500)$347.05
22OklahomaOklahoma City (580,000)$346.37
23TennesseeNashville (660,400)$346.37
24WyomingCheyenne (59,400)$345.62
25New JerseyNewark (277,100)$343.67
26MarylandBaltimore (620,900)$343.67
27ConnecticutBridgeport (144,200)$343.30
28OhioColumbus (879,200)$341.48
29North CarolinaCharlotte (731,400)$341.10
30NebraskaOmaha (408,900)$336.90
31IllinoisChicago (2.69M)$327.31
32MichiganDetroit (713,800)$327.12
33ColoradoDenver (600,100)$326.92
34North DakotaFargo (105,500)$326.66
35LouisianaNew Orleans (343,800)$325.19
36MontanaBillings (104,100)$323.91
37IndianaIndianapolis (820,400)$318.03
38KentuckyLouisville (597,300)$315.20
39MissouriKansas City (459,800)$312.63
40New MexicoAlbuquerque (545,800)$307.79
41ArizonaPhoenix (1.44M)$302.80
42VirginiaVirginia Beach (438,000)$298.01
43NevadaLas Vegas (583,700)$293.43
44TexasHouston (2.10M)$286.64
45South DakotaSioux Falls (153,900)$286.23
46ArkansasLittle Rock (193,500)$282.46
47UtahSalt Lake City (186,400)$282.23
48IdahoBoise (205,700)$281.12
49KansasWitchita (382,400)$261.35
50New HampshireManchester (109,500)$183.00

For further analysis, we broke down the data in the following ways:
Most Expensive | Cheapest

The Top 10 States With The Most Expensive Groceries

The state with the most expensive groceries in the US is Hawaii. This might not be surprising, given that Hawaii needs to import most of the foods you’d find in an American supermarket from a pretty long distance. This same logic can also be applied to Alaska.

Want to learn more? Well here is a detailed list of average costs in the most expensive states:

StateAvg. monthly cost of groceriesAvg. cost of milkAvg. cost of breadAvg. cost of eggs
Hawaii$556.76$7.08$5.62$5.92
Vermont$497.41$4.06$3.25$3.40
Alaska$483.24$4.26$4.39$4.29
New York$482.87$4.76$3.87$4.64
West Virginia$427.19$3.69$1.99$3.00
Mississippi$423.33$3.40$2.41$4.00
South Carolina$411.29$3.09$2.59$4.00
Massachusetts$406.21$4.20$3.61$4.26
Washington$402.08$4.31$3.82$3.71
Pennsylvania$401.02$4.66$3.28$4.02

The Top 10 States With The Cheapest Groceries

The state with the cheapest groceries in the US is New Hampshire. While it’s unclear why exactly New Hampshire is so cheap, it could partially relate to shopping preferences. For example, many New Hampshire residents say they prefer shopping at Market Basket, which is cheaper than Whole Foods and other popular New England supermarket chains.

Here are some examples of the average cost of staple foods in the cheapest states:

StateAvg. monthly cost of groceriesAvg. cost of milkAvg. cost of breadAvg. cost of eggs
New Hampshire$183.00$3.30$2.44$2.90
Kansas$261.35$3.08$2.45$3.50
Idaho$293.43$3.12$2.77$3.99
Utah$282.23$3.52$3.02$4.47
Arkansas$282.46$3.95$3.03$3.56
South Dakota$286.23$3.69$2.85$3.98
Texas$286.64$3.57$2.82$3.59
Nevada$293.43$3.86$3.17$4.51
Virginia$298.01$3.74$3.13$3.83
Arizona$302.80$3.22$2.91$4.50

Cost of Groceries By State FAQ

  1. How much should a two-person household spend on groceries?

    The average two-person household can expect to spend between $510-$820 per month on groceries. The average moderate cost between these two figures is around $655 per month. And broken up into weekly costs, here is what the average two-person household might expect to spend:

    Of course, these numbers will also depend on your state and city of residence, as a household in Hawaii can expect to spend far more than one in Idaho.

  2. What is a good daily food budget?

    A good daily food budget is no more than 10%-15% of take-home pay. For example, if you made an average of $200 per day, you’d want to spend no more than $20-$30 on food that day. This includes home-cooked meals and restaurants.

    On a weekly basis, making approximately $1,000 would mean that your weekly grocery trip should cost no more than $100-$150 using this metric.

  3. How can I cut my grocery bill?

    There are at least ten ways you can cut your grocery bill significantly. Here are those big secrets to saving money:

    • Buy from discount grocery stores (e.g., Aldi or Trader Joes)

    • Use supermarket websites to compare the prices of different stores

    • Create a weekly meal plan so you only buy what you need

    • Stick to your grocery list and don’t buy extras

    • Eat your leftovers instead of making new meals

    • Clip coupons and look for discount codes

    • Buy in bulk for cheaper, wholesale prices

    • Choose the store brand

    • Create your own sauces and spice mixes at home

    • Grow your own garden vegetables and herbs

  4. Is buying groceries cheaper than eating out?

    Yes, buying groceries is generally cheaper than eating out. For example, the average cost of a meal made with groceries at home is only $4 per person, compared to a whopping $13 per person at a restaurant. To put that in perspective, a family of four that only eats at home for dinner would spend just under $500 per month, compared to $1,600 eating out every night.

    Additionally, eating at home also comes with the general benefit of better nutrition, which can save you a lot in the long run.

Conclusion

Ever since the 2020 pandemic began to impact the global supply chain, employment, and other major factors that contribute to inflation and food security, we’ve seen a drastic increase in overall food prices.

As of 2023, Americans can expect to spend $556+ per person on groceries in Hawaii and over $400 per person in the rest of the top ten most expensive states. While some of these states (e.g., Hawaii and Alaska) are heavily reliant on imports, others are expensive for a variety of other reasons.

Luckily, there are still some states in the US where you can get a good deal at the supermarket. In particular, groceries in New Hampshire are an average of $183, with Virginia, Nevada, Texas, South Dakota, Arkansas, Utah, Idaho, and Kansas all being under $300 on average.

When in doubt, it’s important to budget your groceries and plan meals according to that budget. This alone can save Americans hundreds of dollars on their monthly grocery bill.

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Average Cost Of Groceries By State [2023] - Zippia (2)

Author

Jack FlynnAverage Cost Of Groceries By State [2023] - Zippia (3)

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications.Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.

Average Cost Of Groceries By State [2023] - Zippia (2024)

FAQs

Average Cost Of Groceries By State [2023] - Zippia? ›

According to a USDA report, an average family of four spent about $958 to $1,445 per month on groceries in January 2022. In January 2023 that same family is spending $1,047 to $1,576 on their groceries according to the USDA. That's $89 to $131 more for your average cost of groceries per month, which is an 9% jump.

How much will a family of 4 spend on groceries in 2023? ›

According to a USDA report, an average family of four spent about $958 to $1,445 per month on groceries in January 2022. In January 2023 that same family is spending $1,047 to $1,576 on their groceries according to the USDA. That's $89 to $131 more for your average cost of groceries per month, which is an 9% jump.

How much does a family of 5 spend on groceries in 2023? ›

Creating a budget can help keep costs in check. On average, a family of five spends anywhere from $922 to $1,488 a month on groceries, according to USDA monthly food plans. If you're looking to curb your spending, consider meal planning, buying in bulk, and shopping at more affordable grocery stores.

What is a realistic budget for groceries? ›

Monthly Grocery Budget
FAMILY SIZESUGGESTED MONTHLY BUDGET
1 person$251
2 people$553
3 people$722
4 people$892
2 more rows
Sep 25, 2020

How much does a family of 3 spend on groceries per month? ›

A family of two adults aged 19-50 and two kids aged 2-3 and 4-5 spent between $594.90 and $1,161.90. To get the average grocery bill for a family of 3, just remove the monthly food budget for 1 from the calculations. For instance, if we remove one child aged 2-3 from the frugal spending plan, the result would be $486.

How much should one person spend on groceries 2023? ›

Average Cost Of Groceries By State
RankStateAverage monthly cost of groceries per person
18Maine$372.21
19California$370.96
20Florida$364.25
21Iowa$347.05
46 more rows
Feb 27, 2023

What are food price expectations for 2023? ›

In 2023, all food prices are predicted to increase 6.2 percent, with a prediction interval of 4.9 to 7.5 percent. Food-at-home prices are predicted to increase 6.3 percent, with a prediction interval of 4.5 to 8.1 percent.

Will food be cheaper in 2023? ›

Food prices are projected to rise in 2023, albeit at a slower pace than they did in 2022, according to the USDA.

How much does the average American family of 4 spend on groceries? ›

Average Household Cost of Food In The United States

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which publishes a monthly food plan that suggests how much money Americans should be spending on food, the average cost of food for a family of four is roughly $309.30 spending weekly moderately.

What is the average amount a family of 4 spends on groceries a month? ›

Suggested grocery spending per month

You may find you spend more or less depending on your location or dietary preferences. These numbers offer a good starting point for a grocery budget: For a family of four in 2022, your spending on groceries should fall between $875 – $1,287 a month.

How much should a single person spend on groceries? ›

How Much Does One Person Spend on Groceries a Month? According to USDA, (U.S. Department of Agriculture), the average American spends anywhere between $300-$540 on groceries monthly.

Is $400 a month good for groceries? ›

A average family of 4 grocery bill per week is roughly around 140- to 150. Yes factor in taste and quality and it may go up to about 200 or so. But that's either one big family for $400 a week or they really like to eat out a lot. A average family spends $400 to 600 per month depending on needs and over all budget.

Is $1000 a month enough for food? ›

If you're looking for a rule of thumb, I'd say if your grocery spending is under $1,000 per month for a family of 4 with older kids you're doing ok. Based upon the data, you could also say that food shouldn't be more than 10% of your income unless you're earning less than median household income.

What is the 50 30 20 rule? ›

One of the most common types of percentage-based budgets is the 50/30/20 rule. The idea is to divide your income into three categories, spending 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings. Learn more about the 50/30/20 budget rule and if it's right for you.

How can I cut my grocery bill by 90 percent? ›

What's Ahead:
  1. Shop at discount grocery stores like Aldi or Trader Joes. ...
  2. Compare prices between stores — even if it means driving to a few different ones at first. ...
  3. Plan your meals for the week based on what's on sale. ...
  4. Clip coupons and look for discount codes. ...
  5. Always, always, always eat your leftovers.
Apr 28, 2023

How to save money on groceries 2023? ›

A practical guide to budget-friendly groceries in 2023
  1. Think about your spending. ...
  2. Shop your pantry. ...
  3. Be practical about meal planning, not idealistic. ...
  4. Buy a couple of easy meals. ...
  5. Consider switching up your grocery store. ...
  6. Sign up for your store's rewards program. ...
  7. Have snacks that you can grab and go.
Apr 4, 2023

Is $200 a month enough for groceries for one person? ›

* YES! It is possible to eat healthy for $200 a month. 30 Days on $200 shopping list is intended for one person.

What does the average 2 person household spend on groceries? ›

Average grocery bill for 2 people

For a two-adult household, the figure above will double: $458 to $838. The average cost for groceries per month can go down a bit for adult-plus-child households.

Will everything be cheaper in 2023? ›

Key points. Inflation seems to be slowing, and some things could start to get cheaper in 2023. The cost of real estate, rental, cars, and gas could fall, at least a little. Don't get too excited about potential price drops, as there's still a lot of uncertainty about the economy.

How much will bread cost in 2023? ›

The change may not look as dramatic – a pound of white bread went from $1.55 to $1.89 between the start of 2022 and the start of 2023 – but that's still a 22% price increase in just one year.

Will eggs go down in price in 2023? ›

Average price of a dozen eggs, by month

Officials say they expect prices to continue to drop. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer said during a presentation at the annual USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum in February said wholesale egg prices are projected to fall nearly 30% in 2023.

Will there be food shortages in 2023 usa? ›

Unfortunately, 2023 could see its own batches of food shortages. Here's what consumers should start stocking up on now before prices soar and products likely become harder to find on store shelves.

What food will be hard in 2023? ›

Food Shortage 2023: 10 Difficult-To-Find Foods In 2023
  • Butter.
  • Oranges.
  • Corn.
  • Flour.
  • Bread.
  • Champagne.
  • Beer.
  • Eggs.
Apr 6, 2023

Is there going to be a global food shortage in 2023? ›

2023: Another year of extreme jeopardy for those struggling to feed their families. The scale of the current global hunger and malnutrition crisis is enormous, with more than 345 million people facing high levels of food insecurity in 2023 – more than double the number in 2020.

How much does the average middle class American spend on groceries? ›

The Average Cost of Groceries Per Month

What does the average U.S. household spend on groceries per month? According to 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is the most recent available, the average spending on food at home is $5,259 annually, or about $438 per month for U.S. households.

How much should a single person spend on groceries a week? ›

For individuals 19 – 50, here's what those guidelines say you should be spending each week on food (actual number depends on age and sex): Thrifty: $53.40 – $66.50. Low-cost: $57.10 – $65.80. Moderate-cost: $69.90 – $82.40.

How much is a family of 5 weekly grocery budget? ›

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average weekly grocery bill for a family our size is $344.70; that means more than $1,400 each month. There are times when my weekly grocery bill approaches that number but for the most part, I'm able to keep it to $200 per week.

What is a realistic grocery budget for a family of 4? ›

According to the most recent data provided by the United States Department of Agriculture, the weekly cost of maintaining a nutritious diet for a family of four can range anywhere from $125 to $279.

What is the average grocery bill for a family of 4 in California? ›

Groceries & Food

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that California's average annual non-restaurant food cost per person is $3,865. That equates to $322.08 per person, per month. The average family of four could end up spending $1,288 per month on groceries.

How to eat on $100 dollars a week? ›

  1. Log what's in your freezer. ...
  2. Ditto for your fridge and pantry. ...
  3. Start your meal planning with a bag of rice. ...
  4. Make a strategic shopping list … and stick to it. ...
  5. Shop farmers markets toward the end of the day. ...
  6. Shop the freezer section for produce. ...
  7. Buy the store brand. ...
  8. Only buy meat when it's on sale.
May 22, 2022

Is Aldi cheaper than Walmart? ›

Aldi is a Germany-based discount retailer with close to 2,000 store locations in 36 states. Aldi claims its prices are 50% less than traditional supermarkets. Independent research in markets like Houston and Chicago revealed that Aldi's prices are around 15% cheaper than Walmart.

How do I simplify my grocery list? ›

How to Simplify Your Grocery Shopping
  1. Plan meals.
  2. Make a list.
  3. Opt for delivery.
  4. Shop at quiet times.
  5. Try coupon apps.
  6. Look into loyalty programs.
  7. Split your shopping.
  8. Bottom line.
Dec 23, 2022

How much does an average person spend on dining out per month? ›

And you've come to the right place. The average American dines out 5.9 times per week and according to BLS data, the average household spends about $3,500 on eating out every year, or just shy of $300 per month.

How much does the average person spend on clothes a month? ›

How much do clothes cost per month? In the United States, households spend an average of about $120 per month on clothes. That comes out to $1,434 per year.

How much does the average person spend on groceries for themselves? ›

That's roughly $2,641 annually per person (based on the average 2.5 people in each household). The average cost of food per month for the typical American household is about $550.

Is $600 a month on groceries a lot? ›

Wondering how much is a reasonable grocery budget for two? The USDA puts the average weekly cost of food at home for a family of two at $150 a week, or $600 per month (and that's on their moderate cost food plan!). Cue the sigh of relief and feeling a little less guilt if you're eyeing your current grocery spending.

How to feed a family of 4 on $400 a month? ›

CHANGE HABITS
  1. Stop eating out! We have never eaten out often but when we did once or twice a month it would cost us $50-$100 per meal to feed the family. ...
  2. Pack lunches for the whole family. Pack school lunches and your own. ...
  3. Don't buy drinks. ...
  4. Re-think the snack. ...
  5. Buy store brand when possible.
Aug 14, 2018

How to live on $100 groceries a month? ›

  1. Limit grocery trips to twice per month. ...
  2. Eat fiber rich foods. ...
  3. Keep a coloring book on hand. ...
  4. Practice Intermittent Fasting. ...
  5. Eat everything on hand before going back to the store. ...
  6. Swap meat for eggs. ...
  7. Eat lots and lots of pasta. ...
  8. Limit consumption of sugar and pre-packaged convenience foods.

Is it cheaper to eat out or buy groceries? ›

Is It Cheaper to Cook or Eat Out? For those who want a quick and easy answer: It's generally cheaper to cook food at home than eat out.

Can you live off $1,000 a month after bills? ›

Getting by on $1,000 a month may not be easy, especially when inflation seems to make everything more expensive. But it is possible to live well even on a small amount of money. Growing your income.

How much savings should I have at 50? ›

By age 50, you would be considered on track if you have three to six times your preretirement gross income saved. And by age 60, you should have 5.5 to 11 times your salary saved in order to be considered on track for retirement.

What is the 50 15 5 rule? ›

50 - Consider allocating no more than 50 percent of take-home pay to essential expenses. 15 - Try to save 15 percent of pretax income (including employer contributions) for retirement. 5 - Save for the unexpected by keeping 5 percent of take-home pay in short-term savings for unplanned expenses.

When should you start saving for retirement? ›

The answer is simple: as soon as you can. Ideally, you'd start saving in your 20s, when you first leave school and begin earning paychecks. That's because the sooner you begin saving, the more time your money has to grow.

Why is the grocery bill so high? ›

Droughts and wildfires in the western U.S. led to lower-than-average crop yields from farms in that region, driving up consumer costs for food, according to NPR. Supply chain issues that have continued since the pandemic have affected food supply.

How do I stop overspending on groceries? ›

How to Grocery Shop on a Budget & Stop Spending Money on Food
  1. Eat before you go shopping for groceries. ...
  2. Make a list before heading to the supermarket. ...
  3. Avoid taking your children or your spouse to the grocery store. ...
  4. Use a calculator. ...
  5. Plan to use coupons and consider adding items to your cart online before heading in.

How to only spend $300 a month on groceries? ›

How to spend less than $300 on your grocery bill
  1. Budgeting on Our Lifestyle.
  2. Create Specific Meal Plans & Buy Only What You Need.
  3. Time Block & Schedule Time on Your Calendar.
  4. Search for Weekly Ads.
  5. Stock up when on Sale.
  6. Shop Smart.
  7. Cook Healthy Meals.
  8. Pack your Lunches, Pack when Traveling.
Apr 20, 2023

How much should a 4 person family spend on groceries? ›

Suggested grocery spending per month

You may find you spend more or less depending on your location or dietary preferences. These numbers offer a good starting point for a grocery budget: For a family of four in 2022, your spending on groceries should fall between $875 – $1,287 a month.

How much should a family of 4 budget for groceries? ›

According to the most recent data provided by the United States Department of Agriculture, the weekly cost of maintaining a nutritious diet for a family of four can range anywhere from $125 to $279.

How much does an average family of 4 spend on groceries per month? ›

Groceries & Food

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that California's average annual non-restaurant food cost per person is $3,865. That equates to $322.08 per person, per month. The average family of four could end up spending $1,288 per month on groceries.

How can a family of 4 save money on groceries? ›

Here are 17 ways to save money on groceries.
  1. Make a meal plan. ...
  2. Shop alone if you can. ...
  3. Shop during the quietest days of the week. ...
  4. Swap expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options. ...
  5. Buy generic products. ...
  6. Avoid buying hygiene products at the grocery store. ...
  7. Stick to the store's perimeter. ...
  8. Pay with a grocery rewards card.
Mar 9, 2023

How to prepare for food shortage 2023? ›

Here's a basic food list of the things you will want to consider buying to stockpile in case a survival food shortage really does happen:
  1. Flour (white, wholemeal, self-raising)
  2. Rice.
  3. Noodles.
  4. Beans (dried and canned different varieties)
  5. Lentils.
  6. Oats.
  7. Pasta (different shapes, white & wholewheat)
Feb 22, 2023

Is 200 a month enough for food? ›

* YES! It is possible to eat healthy for $200 a month. 30 Days on $200 shopping list is intended for one person.

What is a realistic food budget for 1 person? ›

The average food budget for a single person is between $250 and $300 a month, but that's just a guideline. If you can buy meals at a discount or visit family and eat with them, you might be able to spend less.

How much does a family of 2 spend on groceries a month? ›

Average grocery bill for 2 people

For a two-adult household, the figure above will double: $458 to $838. The average cost for groceries per month can go down a bit for adult-plus-child households. Numbers vary widely depending on a child's age and household budget.

How can I spend the least amount of money on groceries? ›

11 tips for saving money at the grocery store
  1. Pay with a grocery rewards card. ...
  2. Sign up for the loyalty program. ...
  3. Clip coupons. ...
  4. Join a wholesale club. ...
  5. Go in with a list and stick to it. ...
  6. Buy items on sale. ...
  7. Avoid pre-packaged items. ...
  8. Compare prices between stores.

How much should 2 adults spend on groceries a month? ›

The average adult spends between $212 and $405 per month on groceries. This range encompasses all financial brackets and is indicative of a realistic monthly grocery budget.

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