Inflation is impacting everyone’s wallets, and grocery bills are no exception. From rising egg prices to the increasing cost of bread, feeding yourself and your family has become a significant expense. Understanding the Average Monthly Food Cost is more important than ever to manage your budget effectively.
This guide dives into the average monthly cost of groceries across the United States, revealing which states are the most and least expensive for food. You might be surprised by the variations and what factors contribute to these differences.
| Rank | State | City Analyzed (Population) | Average Monthly Cost of Groceries Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | Honolulu (337,200) | $556.76 |
| 2 | Vermont | Burlington (42,400) | $497.41 |
| 3 | Alaska | Anchorage (291,800) | $483.24 |
| 4 | New York | New York City (8.17M) | $482.87 |
| 5 | West Virginia | Charleston (51,400) | $427.19 |
| 6 | Mississippi | Jackson (173,500) | $423.33 |
| 7 | South Carolina | Charleston (136,200) | $411.29 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | Boston (617,600) | $406.21 |
| 9 | Washington | Seattle (608,600) | $402.08 |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | Philadelphia (1.52M) | $401.02 |
| 11 | Georgia | Atlanta (420,000) | $397.97 |
| 12 | Alabama | Birmingham (212,200) | $397.39 |
| 13 | Minnesota | Minneapolis (382,600) | $395.39 |
| 14 | Rhode Island | Providence (178,000) | $390.19 |
| 15 | Wisconsin | Milwaukee (594,800) | $385.97 |
| 16 | Delaware | Wilmington (70,800) | $380.39 |
| 17 | Oregon | Portland (583,800) | $375.41 |
| 18 | Maine | Portland (66,200) | $372.21 |
| 19 | California | Los Angeles (4.79M) | $370.96 |
| 20 | Florida | Jacksonville (880,600) | $364.25 |
| 21 | Iowa | Des Moines (215,500) | $347.05 |
| 22 | Oklahoma | Oklahoma City (580,000) | $346.37 |
| 23 | Tennessee | Nashville (660,400) | $346.37 |
| 24 | Wyoming | Cheyenne (59,400) | $345.62 |
| 25 | New Jersey | Newark (277,100) | $343.67 |
| 26 | Maryland | Baltimore (620,900) | $343.67 |
| 27 | Connecticut | Bridgeport (144,200) | $343.30 |
| 28 | Ohio | Columbus (879,200) | $341.48 |
| 29 | North Carolina | Charlotte (731,400) | $341.10 |
| 30 | Nebraska | Omaha (408,900) | $336.90 |
| 31 | Illinois | Chicago (2.69M) | $327.31 |
| 32 | Michigan | Detroit (713,800) | $327.12 |
| 33 | Colorado | Denver (600,100) | $326.92 |
| 34 | North Dakota | Fargo (105,500) | $326.66 |
| 35 | Louisiana | New Orleans (343,800) | $325.19 |
| 36 | Montana | Billings (104,100) | $323.91 |
| 37 | Indiana | Indianapolis (820,400) | $318.03 |
| 38 | Kentucky | Louisville (597,300) | $315.20 |
| 39 | Missouri | Kansas City (459,800) | $312.63 |
| 40 | New Mexico | Albuquerque (545,800) | $307.79 |
| 41 | Arizona | Phoenix (1.44M) | $302.80 |
| 42 | Virginia | Virginia Beach (438,000) | $298.01 |
| 43 | Nevada | Las Vegas (583,700) | $293.43 |
| 44 | Texas | Houston (2.10M) | $286.64 |
| 45 | South Dakota | Sioux Falls (153,900) | $286.23 |
| 46 | Arkansas | Little Rock (193,500) | $282.46 |
| 47 | Utah | Salt Lake City (186,400) | $282.23 |
| 48 | Idaho | Boise (205,700) | $281.12 |
| 49 | Kansas | Wichita (382,400) | $261.35 |
| 50 | New Hampshire | Manchester (109,500) | $183.00 |
States Where Your Grocery Budget Stretches the Least
For residents in some states, the average monthly food cost can be surprisingly high. Leading the list is Hawaii, with an average monthly grocery bill of over $550 per person. This is largely due to its geographical location; most food items need to be shipped long distances, significantly increasing costs. Alaska faces a similar challenge, ranking third on the list of most expensive states for groceries.
Vermont and New York round out the top four, indicating that the Northeast region also experiences higher average monthly food costs. Let’s look closer at the top 10 most expensive states and the typical costs of everyday staples:
| State | Avg. Monthly Cost of Groceries | Avg. Cost of Milk | Avg. Cost of Bread | Avg. 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 |
State-by-state map of average monthly grocery spending per person in the US
A map illustrating the average monthly grocery expenses per person across different states in the United States, highlighting the geographical variations in food costs.
States Where You Get More For Your Grocery Money
On the other end of the spectrum, some states offer significantly lower average monthly food costs. New Hampshire boasts the cheapest groceries in the nation, with an average monthly cost of just $183 per person. While the exact reasons are multifaceted, local shopping habits might play a role. Many New Hampshire residents favor budget-friendly supermarket chains like Market Basket, contributing to lower overall grocery expenses.
Kansas, Idaho, and Utah follow New Hampshire as the states with the lowest grocery bills. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 most affordable states and their average prices for common grocery items:
| State | Avg. Monthly Cost of Groceries | Avg. Cost of Milk | Avg. Cost of Bread | Avg. Cost of Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $183.00 | $3.30 | $2.44 | $2.90 |
| Kansas | $261.35 | $3.08 | $2.45 | $3.50 |
| Idaho | $281.12 | $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 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Grocery Costs
Navigating grocery budgets can be confusing. Here are answers to some common questions about average monthly food cost:
1. What’s a realistic grocery budget for a two-person household?
Averagely, a two-person household in the US might spend between $510 and $820 monthly on groceries. A moderate budget sits around $655 per month. Here’s a weekly breakdown based on different spending levels:
- Thrifty: Approximately $119 per week
- Low-Cost: Around $123 per week
- Moderate-Cost: Roughly $152 per week
- Liberal: About $190 per week
Keep in mind that these are national averages. Your actual average monthly food cost will depend on your state and city, as highlighted in the state-by-state data.
2. How much of my daily income should go towards food?
A good rule of thumb is to allocate 10% to 15% of your take-home pay to your daily food budget. For instance, if you earn $200 per day after taxes, aim to spend between $20 and $30 on food, encompassing both groceries and dining out. Applying this weekly, if you earn $1000 per week, your weekly grocery budget should ideally be between $100 and $150.
3. What are effective strategies to lower my grocery bill?
Cutting your grocery bill is achievable with smart shopping habits. Here are some proven methods:
- Embrace Discount Grocers: Stores like Aldi and Trader Joe’s often offer significantly lower prices than traditional supermarkets.
- Price Comparison Websites: Utilize supermarket websites or apps to compare prices between different stores before you shop.
- Meal Planning is Key: Create a weekly meal plan to buy only necessary ingredients, reducing impulse purchases and food waste.
- Stick to Your List: Avoid straying from your grocery list to prevent unnecessary spending.
- Love Your Leftovers: Plan to eat leftovers for lunch or another dinner to maximize your food and minimize waste.
- Coupons and Discounts: Actively search for and use coupons, discount codes, and store loyalty programs.
- Bulk Buying Wisely: Purchase non-perishable items in bulk when it makes economic sense, but only if you’ll use them before they expire.
- Opt for Store Brands: Generic or store brands are often cheaper than name brands without sacrificing quality.
- DIY Sauces and Spices: Make your own sauces and spice blends at home to save money and control ingredients.
- Grow Your Own: Consider starting a small garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs, especially if you have space.
4. Is it always cheaper to cook at home than eat out?
Generally, yes, cooking at home is significantly more budget-friendly than eating at restaurants. The average monthly food cost for home-cooked meals is around $4 per person per meal, whereas dining out averages about $13 per person per meal. For a family of four eating dinner at home every night, the monthly grocery cost might be roughly $500, compared to a staggering $1600 if they ate out nightly. Beyond cost savings, cooking at home often translates to healthier meals and better control over nutritional content.
In Conclusion: Mastering Your Monthly Food Expenses
Global events in recent years have undeniably impacted supply chains and driven up food prices. As of 2024, the average monthly food cost can vary dramatically depending on your location. While residents of Hawaii might face grocery bills exceeding $550 per person, those in New Hampshire enjoy averages closer to $183.
Regardless of where you live, understanding your average monthly food cost and implementing smart budgeting strategies are crucial. States like New Hampshire, Kansas, and others offer more affordable grocery options, while even in more expensive states, conscious meal planning and smart shopping can make a significant difference. By taking control of your grocery spending and planning your meals effectively, you can navigate rising food costs and maintain a healthy budget.
