5 States With the Highest Grocery Bills, According to the U.S. Census Bureau

Grocery prices are ever fluctuating, and due to inflation, supply chain hiccups, and other issues in recent years, it seems like many supermarket staples are only getting more expensive to buy. And, while some items have since decreased in price following big price hikes, there’s no denying that going to the grocery store is a pricey endeavor. In fact, per the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, American households are spending an average of $270.21 per week on groceries, which translates to roughly $1,080 per month and $14,051 per year.

This intel, which was collected from October 18 to October 30, 2023, comes as food prices rose by 25 percent from 2019 to 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Per the DoA, during that four-year period, food prices rose faster than housing, medical care, and a bevy of other key expenses.

Still, while almost everyone is feeling the grocery pinch in some way, there are states that (on average) have even higher weekly grocery bills than others. As you’ll see, the price of groceries depends on a myriad of factors, including (but not limited to) how dependent your home state is on imports and the size of your household. Keep reading for a list of the five states with the highest average grocery bills per week. 

1. Hawaii

Given Hawaii’s isolated location, it should come as no surprise that it clocks in as the state with the highest grocery bills. Residents of Hawaii spend, on average, $333.88 on groceries per week, which is approximately $64 above the national average.

2. Alaska 

Like Hawaii, Alaska is not part of the continental United States, which helps explain why groceries are similarly expensive. Since many foods like milk, bread, and chicken must be imported to Alaska, high grocery prices are to be expected. On average, a resident of Alaska spends $328.71 on groceries each week.

3. California 

The Golden State may be a bastion of fresh produce, but it’s also the state with the third highest grocery prices at $297.72 per week. A steady increase in the minimum wage and California’s uniquely high cost of living help explain why eggs, beef, and more are so pricey.

4. Nevada

Over in neighboring Nevada, residents spend an average of $294.76 on groceries each week. Groceries are most expensive for Nevadans aged 25 to 39 (they spend roughly $365 per week) due to factors such as larger household size and dietary restrictions that can make grocery shopping even pricier.

5. Mississippi

Rounding out the top five states with the highest grocery bills is Mississippi, where groceries will set residents back an average of $290.64 per week. While still more than $20 above the national average, Mississippians fare better than those living in Nevada, California, Alaska, and Hawaii. Of people living in The Magnolia State, those aged 18 to 24 fare best, and pay approximately $169 for a weekly grocery haul.