Grocery shopping has quietly become one of the most revealing ways to understand the cost of living in America. You can ignore housing prices if you rent, and you can delay a car purchase for years, but everyone eventually has to buy eggs, milk, and something resembling dinner. That’s what makes grocery prices such a relatable pressure point. They show up weekly, sometimes daily, and they don’t care about your budget spreadsheet or your good intentions.
The numbers below compare each state’s grocery prices to the national average, along with how much prices changed since 2023. A positive percentage means shoppers are paying more than average, while negative numbers mean they’re paying less. Some of the results make immediate sense—remote states with high transportation costs tend to top the list. Others are more surprising, especially when states known for affordability creep upward while traditionally expensive states slide back toward the middle.
Hawaii
Hawaii sits at the very top of America’s grocery price leaderboard—with prices 33.98% above the national average. That’s not a typo; most folks pay a third more just to fill their cart. When nearly everything arrives by boat or plane, you’re literally eating the shipping cost. Locals joke that even the pineapples come with airfare included. The trend is real and confirmed by the latest CashNetUSA grocery price study, which found Hawaii outpacing every other state. Prices have risen over the last year, pushing essential items—whether bread, milk, or canned tuna—solidly into “ouch” territory every time you swipe your card. Folks on the islands get used to scanning price tags like they’re reading a foreign language.
Alaska
In Alaska, groceries are 32.05% pricier than the U.S. average, and that gap grew the fastest of all states over the past year (up nearly 12%). It’s the sort of number that makes you nod and say, “Yeah, that tracks.” Is it remote supply chains? Harsh weather? All of the above. Your milk did not want this journey. Everything from eggs to bread reflects shipping costs borne by residents. And with prices rising faster here than almost anywhere else, savvy shoppers have learned to stock up when deals hit—or simply laugh at the receipt and call it character building.
Alabama
Alabama checks in with groceries 9.3% above the national average. That might sound strange for a state often associated with low living costs, but local taxes and regional pricing quirks push everyday items up the list. Even staples can feel like they come with a small surcharge. Despite a modest drop in prices from last year, groceries here still cost more than folks might expect. Low rent doesn’t guarantee a low grocery bill. You might save on your home, but once you’re at the checkout lane, Alabama reminds you that groceries follow their own rules.
Arizona
Grocery prices in Arizona are 4.42% higher than average, and they’ve climbed a bit since last year. With booming population growth, especially in cities like Phoenix and Tucson, demand has nudged costs upward. It’s that sweet spot where growth meets grocery aisle sticker shock. Prices for a typical Walmart basket in Arizona sit noticeably above the national baseline. That makes meal planning feel more like budgeting strategy sessions. Add inflation to fresh produce, and even longtime residents scratch their heads at how quickly routine buys can add up.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s grocery prices sit 2.1% above average, and they’ve inched up over the past year. In a place where food culture is practically a religion, that hit to the wallet feels especially personal. Whether you’re plucking ingredients for gumbo or grabbing basics, the price comparisons remind shoppers that Louisiana’s grocery cost reflects more than just supply—it’s shaped by local tax and distribution networks. Everyday items aren’t immune to broader price trends. It’s the sort of number that has folks joking about “Louisiana surf and turf”—meaning the price of bread and shrimp together. That humor only goes so far, though, when the weekly receipt lands on the table.
California
California’s grocery prices are 1.82% above average, but big news: they actually fell by over 3% since last year. In a state notorious for high living costs, that dip feels like a small victory. Still, a lower sticker price doesn’t instantly make grocery trips painless—especially in major metros where every dollar inflates faster than a beach ball at a summer party. Groceries here remain on the pricey side despite the recent drop, influenced by everything from local taxes to high distribution costs. Frequent shoppers will tell you that finding a good deal feels almost like a sport. And in California, discovering savings has become its own weekend activity.
Tennessee
Tennessee shows up 1.49% above the national average, but here’s the twist: prices fell sharply, down nearly 13% since last year. That’s practically a grocery miracle in today’s market. Folks here could actually feel like the universe winked at them. Tennessee’s mix of urban growth and rural pockets creates pricing that varies city by city, but the downward trend is enough to make a regular shopper’s heart skip a beat—or at least smile at the weekly bill.
Virginia
Grocery costs in Virginia are about 0.78% above average, with prices creeping upward this year. The Old Dominion sits in that weird middle ground where groceries aren’t eye-poppingly expensive—but they’re not bargain-bin cheap either. Price increases are gentle but persistent. It’s the everyday kind of inflation that doesn’t make headlines but does make a splash every checkout. Shoppers here often joke that the real cost isn’t just numbers—it’s the ceremonial swoop of the scanner adding taxes and fees just before you pay.
South Carolina
South Carolina came in 0.7% above the national average, and this year’s prices barely budged. That kind of stability is almost quaint in a market where prices elsewhere swing by double digits. Thanks to CashNetUSA’s data, we see that everyday essentials here remain close to the national baseline—but with the unique regional flavor that makes grocery shopping feel like an event rather than a budget crisis. It’s the kind of state where bargain hunters whisper secrets about midweek markdowns like they’re family heirlooms.
Florida
Floridians pay about 0.5% above the national average, with prices ticking up slightly. It’s a reminder that in the Sunshine State, the heat isn’t just outside—it sometimes shows up on your grocery receipt too. Groceries here stay just above average, nudging up modestly year over year. Snowbirds might not notice until they unpack their shopping bags, but regular residents know that every aisle has somehow become a scenic route to a higher bill.
Texas
Texas tops the list of states where groceries cost the least, at 4.77% below the national average. That’s a savings story many residents proudly repeat. For weekly shoppers, this is where the cash stretches farthest—whether it’s tortillas or tacos, eggs or egg salad. Texans consistently enjoy Walmart grocery prices that undercut national figures, making routine trips feel like small victories. It’s enough to make even the most budget-conscious shopper grin when they watch the total roll up a few dollars less than expected—and sometimes a few dollars more in their pocket at the end of the trip.
Maryland
Maryland sits 4.41% below average with groceries also becoming more affordable this year. That’s a nice surprise for a state that often gets lumped into high-cost living conversations for other expenses. According to CashNetUSA, items at Walmart in Maryland come in well under the national price average, giving shoppers a bit more breathing room at checkout. Whether you’re stocking up for the week or just grabbing essentials, Maryland’s grocery costs drop just enough to make you feel like you’ve outsmarted the cart total.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s grocery prices are 4% below average, and they fell again this year. In a state with hearty appetites and a love of cheese, being able to buy staples affordably feels like a reward for showing up at the store with a list. Data reflects that a lower baseline, making regular trips feel less like budget shock therapy and more like practical economics. If you need an excuse to eat more cheese, Wisconsin’s pricing inadvertently provides one—your wallet laughs while your dinner simmers.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s grocery prices come in 3.93% below the national average, with barely any change year over year. That kind of consistency feels like finding an extra tortilla in the bag when you thought you were out. Groceries here remain comfortably affordable compared to other states, letting families keep regular staples in their cart without raising an eyebrow at the bill. It’s one of those places where straightforward grocery math doesn’t surprise you—just gently rewards you.
New York
New York pays about 3.75% less than average for groceries, and prices have edged up slightly. That might shock anyone who’s only ever grocery shopped in Manhattan or Brooklyn, where prices can feel like a different country. But CashNetUSA’s statewide data includes upstate markets where costs are far friendlier. Grocery shopping in New York becomes a tale of two realities: city buzz and more affordable aisles outside the urban core. Either way, the average works out to one of the more budget-friendly figures in the nation.
Iowa
Iowa’s grocery prices are 3.65% below average, and they dropped further this year. That’s good news for families here—every trip to the store feels like a tiny wheel of economic relief. Routine items cost less than many states, giving Iowans a bit of peace-of-mind when they load up the cart. In a place known for steady values and reliable agriculture, the grocery prices fit right into that story.
Kansas
Kansas sits 3.5% below the national average, and even with prices rising a touch, groceries here remain firmly on the cheaper side. That’s the kind of stability shoppers can bank on. This means everyday items at Walmart are consistently more affordable than in many other states. Whether you’re meal-prepping for a crowd or grabbing staples for the week, Kansas’s grocery prices make the math less painful and the total easier to swallow.
Oregon
Oregon’s grocery prices are 3.47% below average, and they dipped a bit more this year. That’s refreshing in a region where many everyday costs feel like they’re trying to catch up with the coast. Routine items here remain below the national price benchmark, keeping regular shopping affordable.
Utah
Utah offers groceries 3.32% below average, and prices continue to ease. That’s a win for residents watching every line on the grocery receipt. Essentials—from bread to produce—come in under the national average, giving families some breathing room. With groceries staying relatively friendly on the wallet, Utah shoppers can focus on what matters: deciding what to cook without first calculating the cost.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire lands 3.14% below the national average, and prices have eased modestly. That kind of affordability earns appreciative nods at checkout lanes across the state. Everyday items here remain cheaper than average, a quiet but meaningful budget win. For shoppers, that often translates into being able to buy what you need without that sinking feeling when the total appears.
