Where Grocery Spending Is Rising Fastest in the U.S.

Feeling the pinch of grocery prices at checkout? We certainly have, so you’re not alone. In recent years, grocery spending has surged, rising more than 25% between 2019 and 2024. To uncover where grocery spending has increased the most, we analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture across all 50 states from 2019 to 2024.

Key Findings

• Idaho tops the list of states where grocery spending has increased the most. Idahoans spent an average of $3,907.85 on groceries in 2024, up $138.81 (3.7%) from 2023.
• The average American spent $3,241.81 on groceries in 2024 ($270.15 per month).
• Six of the top 10 states where grocery spending increased the most between 2023 and 2024 are in the West: Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Montana, California, and New Mexico.
• In 2024, Alaskans spent the most on groceries ($3,918.14), followed by Idahoans ($3,907.85), and Montanans ($3,872.72).
• Between 2019 and 2024, Tennessee saw the steepest increase in grocery spending (44.6%), $1,038.42 more per year.

No wonder over two in three Americans are seriously concerned about how much they’re spending on food.

But the impact isn’t the same everywhere. In some states, prices have jumped even higher, making the weekly grocery run more stressful for families trying to stretch every dollar. To see how these increases differ, let’s turn to a state-by-state analysis.

Top 10 States Where Grocery Spending Jumped The Most

Whether you’re just curious about what’s happening in your area or looking for ways to stretch your grocery budget, it helps to compare grocery prices from state to state.

If you’re looking to save without skimping on flavor, our favorite budget-friendly recipes are a great place to start. Scroll down to see where grocery spending increased the most between 2023 and 2024.

1. Idaho

In 2024, Idahoans spent an average of $3,907.85 on groceries—about $325.65 per month. That’s a 3.7% increase from 2023, or $138.81 more for the year.

2. Michigan

Grocery prices in Michigan hit $2,984.95 in 2024 (around $248.75 per month), up 3.3% from the year before. That’s a yearly increase of $95.58.

3. South Dakota

South Dakotans paid an average of $3,302.58 for groceries in 2024—or about $275.22 each month. That’s up 3.2% from 2023, a difference of $103.23.

4. Utah

Grocery spending in Utah averaged $3,757.91 in 2024—roughly $313.16 per month. That’s $114.69 more than in 2023, a 3.1% increase.

5. Nevada

Nevadans spent about $3,601.16 on groceries in 2024 ($300.10/month), up 3.1% from 2023—a yearly difference of $109.57.

6. Pennsylvania

Grocery spending in the Keystone State rose 3.1% from 2023 to 2024, reaching $3,061.88 (or $255.16/month). That’s $91.62 more than last year.

7. Rhode Island

Rhode Islanders spent $2,818.90 on groceries in 2024 (about $234.91/month), up 3% from 2023—an increase of $82.48.

8. Montana

Montanans spent an average of $3,872.72 on groceries in 2024—roughly $322.73 per month. That’s a 2.9% increase over 2023 ($110.13 more).

9. California

In 2024, Californians shelled out $3,363.21 on average for groceries—that’s about $280.27/month and 2.83% more than last year ($92.56 more).

10. New Mexico

Grocery prices in New Mexico hit $3,449.80 in 2024—about $287.48 per month. That’s 2.8% higher than in 2023, or $94.04 more.

Grocery Spending Over The Last 5 Years

Over the past five years, grocery prices have climbed across the country—but nowhere more than in Tennessee, where spending has jumped 44.6%. That’s an extra $1,038.42 on groceries annually in 2024 compared to 2019.

Other states seeing steep increases include:

• Arizona: Up 39.3% ($1,010.02 increase)
• California: Up 39.1% ($944.92 increase)
• Nevada: Up 38.7% ($1,003.97 increase)
• Utah: Up 36.3% ($1,001.56 increase)

Beat Skyrocketing Grocery Store Prices With These Tips

Rising grocery store prices can be tough, but eating well doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few simple habits, you can enjoy delicious, budget-friendly meals while keeping your grocery costs under control.

1. Start with Recipes You Actually Love: Choose simple, affordable meals you look forward to—like soups, tacos, or slow-cooked dishes. These recipes are easy to prepare, great for leftovers, and help you plan smart without sacrificing flavor.
2. Cook Once, Eat Twice (or More): Batch cooking make-ahead friendly dishes is a great way to save time and money. Make bigger portions to enjoy across several meals during the week—less waste, less hassle.
3. Build Meals Around Pantry Staples and Seasonal Produce: Stock up on pantry essentials like rice, beans, and pasta. Pair them with fresh, in-season produce to create meals that are tasty, affordable, and adaptable to what’s available locally. Our easy bean salad or this veggie spaghetti are great examples!
4. Make It from Scratch When You Can: Simple homemade sauces, dressings, and dips like this easy salsa add flavor without adding cost. They’re easy to whip up and can help stretch your grocery budget further.
5. Use Coupons Wisely: Grocery store prices can vary more than you’d expect, even between stores in the same neighborhood. Take a few minutes to compare grocery prices, check weekly flyers, and use digital coupons for items you already buy. These small habits can help stretch your budget further (without sacrificing the meals you love to make).

Methodology

To determine where grocery spending has climbed the most, Inspired Taste analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture across all 50 states, comparing two key time periods: 2019–2024 and 2023–2024.

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