Grocery Costs in USA by State: 2026 Overview

Average monthly grocery bill in various US States

State wise average monthly grocery bill in USA (2026)

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Rank	Region Name	Monthly Grocery Cost, USD
1	Hawaii	1450
2	Alaska	1420
3	California	1300
4	Washington	1250
5	New York	1200
6	Nevada	1280
7	Massachusetts	1150
8	Connecticut	1100
9	New Jersey	1080
10	Oregon	1050
11	Maryland	1020
12	Vermont	1000
13	Colorado	980
14	Florida	950
15	Arizona	920
16	Texas	900
17	Virginia	880
18	Illinois	870
19	Pennsylvania	860
20	Michigan	850
21	New Mexico	840
22	Louisiana	830
23	Georgia	820
24	North Carolina	810
25	South Carolina	800
26	Alabama	790
27	Tennessee	780
28	Oklahoma	770
29	Missouri	760
30	Indiana	750
31	Ohio	740
32	Wisconsin	730
33	Minnesota	720
34	Kentucky	710
35	Utah	700
36	Kansas	690
37	Iowa	680
38	Nebraska	670
39	Arkansas	660
40	Mississippi	650
41	West Virginia	640
42	Idaho	630
43	Montana	620
44	Maine	610
45	New Hampshire	600
46	Rhode Island	590
47	Delaware	580
48	North Dakota	570
49	South Dakota	560
50	District of Columbia	900
51	Wyoming	550

Grocery expenses show considerable variation across the United States in 2026, shaped by geographical factors, supply chain dynamics, and economic conditions.

Hawaii ranks highest, with costs around $1450 monthly for an average household, whereas states like Wyoming are significantly lower at approximately $550. These disparities illustrate the impact of import reliance, local farming capabilities, and inflationary trends.

The national average is around $850-$900 per month, reflecting a slight increase from 2025 due to an anticipated 2.3% rise in food-at-home prices. This table outlines significant trends and clarifies why certain regions incur much higher costs than others.

Regional Variations and Key Drivers

States experiencing the highest grocery costs tend to be located in remote or high-expense regions. Hawaii is at the forefront, as the majority of food is transported by ship or air, resulting in considerable shipping costs.

Its isolation necessitates a dependence on imports, leading to inflated prices for everyday items such as milk and produce compared to the mainland. Alaska closely follows for similar reasons, with severe weather conditions and extended supply chains further driving up prices.

California ranks third, attributed to elevated living expenses, stringent regulations, and high demand from its large population. Urban centers contribute to increased costs through premium product offerings and higher wages for employees.

Northeastern states, including New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, also exhibit high grocery costs due to their dense populations and increased operational expenses for retailers.

These areas import a significant portion of their produce and experience strong demand from wealthier consumers who prefer organic or specialty goods. Washington and Oregon are similarly positioned in the higher cost bracket, benefiting from progressive policies and dependence on coastal shipping.

Midwestern and Southern states typically exhibit lower costs. Regions such as Wyoming, South Dakota, and North Dakota benefit from extensive agricultural land that produces grains, meat, and dairy locally. This minimizes transportation requirements and helps maintain stable prices.

Southern states like Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama rank lower due to robust farming sectors and reduced overall living expenses. These regions cultivate staples such as cotton, poultry, and vegetables, which are sold at competitive prices in local markets.

Why Costs Differ So Much

Geography is the primary factor influencing costs. Remote states incur higher logistics expenses, while agricultural regions have direct access to fresh produce. California and New York experience a combination of high demand and regulatory costs, which drive prices upward.

Inflation exerts pressure across the board. The USDA anticipates a 2.3% rise in grocery prices for 2026, attributed to fuel costs, labor shortages, and weather-related impacts on crops. This slight increase affects all states, but those reliant on imports are hit harder.

Household size and consumer habits also play a significant role. National statistics indicate average monthly expenses ranging from $500 to $900, depending on family size.

Larger households can take advantage of bulk purchases, while single-person households tend to pay more per capita. Economic factors, such as median income, have a greater impact on affordability than mere price levels. States with lower incomes feel the strain more acutely, even when groceries are less expensive.

Broader Context and Trends

By 2026, consumers are adjusting to these circumstances. Many are turning to local farmers’ markets or discount retailers to save money. Food assistance programs provide support in areas with higher costs. Overall, the US continues to offer affordable groceries compared to many other countries, but regional disparities underscore inequality.

States with strong agricultural sectors thrive on self-sufficiency, while coastal or island regions innovate with efficient supply chains. As inflation stabilizes, strategic shopping and policy adjustments may further reduce these differences.