These states spend the most on groceries: How does your bill compare?
FILE -A customer shops at Harmons Grocery store in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S., on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021. ( George Frey/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The price of everyday goods such as groceries has increased significantly over the last several years and is predicted to worsen amid the ongoing trade war.
For those who are wondering how their fellow citizens are faring across the country, you may be surprised to see some states actually pay thousands on average for groceries, according to an analysis by Lendingtree.
By the numbers:
Here’s a look at which states paid the most, and the least, for groceries on average, not including tips or taxes.
Dig deeper:
Utah topped the list of states that paid the most on groceries, with an average of $11,884.
Coming in second was Alaska with an average of $11,180 spent on groceries, and third was Hawaii at $10,783.
On average, American households spent $8,167 on food at home, or 7.4% of the average U.S. household income of $110,491, in 2023 (the latest available data).
Tariffs impact on groceries
WATCH: Trump speaks on 90-day tariff pause
President Donald Trump discussed his Truth Social post that the United States will pause some tariffs for 90-days and raise tariffs on China to 125%.
In addition to the already stubbornly high prices consumers see at the grocery store, the recent tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump are expected to increase the cost of items imported to the U.S.
Big picture view:
The president has argued that tariffs will protect U.S. industries from unfair foreign competition and raise money for the federal government, but much of what Americans buy today relies on the global supply chain.
Steeper tariffs will likely impact fruits and vegetables, your next phone purchase, new clothes, your pharmacy order or during your next trip to the car mechanic.
The timing of when prices will go up comes down to inventory, one expert told The Associated Press.
Much of that will also depend on how businesses prepare and respond to the new levies. While companies may have stocked up on goods in anticipation of these tariffs, it's expected that some stores will see more immediate price increases.
The Source: LendingTree researchers compared retail prices provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the weeks ending Jan. 26, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025, for the 68 fruit and vegetable items (including their unit sizes) that had prices available for organic and conventional versions during both weeks. Household spending was derived by dividing average household spending on food at home by the total number of households from the U.S. Census Bureau 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) with five-year estimates. This result was then divided by the average household income in each state, also from the U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS with five-year estimates.The Associated Press contributed background. This story was reported from Los Angeles.