Map: US states where people spend the most and least on groceries

Grocery prices have increased over the past several years since the pandemic, but wages have not risen at the same pace – meaning necessities at the local supermarket have taken up a larger percentage of Americans’ incomes.

An analysis by WalletHub aimed to break this data down by state. A few states in the South were singled out as spending the greatest percentage of their income on groceries, while many states in the Northeast were identified as spending the least. 

FILE - Customers shop for produce at an H-E-B grocery store on February 12, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Here’s where people spend most, least on groceries

The backstory:

Grocery prices have risen more than 25% since 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an issue experts blame on a number of factors like inflation, pandemic supply chain issues and climate change. But earnings have not risen at the same rate.

What we know:

WalletHub analyzed the prices of 26 common grocery items in each of the 50 states. It then added those costs together and compared them to median household income to determine where people are spending the greatest percentage of their income on groceries.

It found that residents in Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas spend the highest percentage of their income on groceries. In Mississippi, people have an average cost of 2.6% of the median household income – which was identified as the highest percentage in the country. Meanwhile, New Jersey residents only spend around 1.5% of their income on groceries, the lowest percentage.

Dig deeper:

WalletHub noted how grocery prices in Mississippi are actually "relatively low" – the ninth-cheapest in the nation. In 15 of the product categories measured in its study, including chunk tuna, margarine, peas, dishwashing detergent, and peaches, Mississippi was among the 10 least expensive states. But WalletHub noted how Mississippi has the lowest median annual household income in America, at just $52,985. "So even with relatively low grocery prices overall, Mississippians are spending a higher percentage of their income on groceries than people in any other state," the report said. 

What they're saying:

"While grocery prices have gone up tremendously in recent years, the states in which people spend the greatest percentage of their income on groceries actually aren’t those with the highest prices," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in a statement. "Instead, the median incomes in these states are quite low, so even with reasonable grocery prices, residents end up shelling out a higher percentage of their earnings than people in states with more expensive products."

Big picture view:

The latest Consumer Price Index was released this week, showing prices on groceries, gas, used cars and other common items have continued to rise for Americans over the last month. Inflation often jumps in January as many companies raise their prices at the beginning of the year, though the government's seasonal adjustment process is supposed to filter out those effects.

Tips for saving on groceries

What they're saying:

Experts who spoke to WalletHub for its report shared several tips for those looking to cut down on their monthly grocery bills. 

• Create a budget: This will help consumers determine how much money they’re able to spend on groceries, which can keep them "from splurging and making impulse purchases" that would put them past the limit, the report said.
• Use the right credit card: Getting one of the best credit cards for groceries can save shoppers anywhere from 1.5% to 6% at checkout, the report notes.
• Pay attention to discounts: Beyond regular sales, many grocery stores offer coupons on items that shoppers can spend time finding and redeeming at checkout to save. The report also suggests joining a store’s free loyalty program – which can also bring exclusive discounts on products.
• Buy store-brand items: Many store-brand products are virtually identical to name-brand foods in taste, but cost significantly less, WalletHub’s report points out.
• Seek out clearance items: "Some stores will put items that are close to their sell-by date on steep discount to avoid having to throw them away, the report says. "As long as you use the food relatively quickly, it’ll still be perfectly good."
• Buy in bulk: Warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club offer groceries in bulk at lower prices than it would cost to buy the same number of items individually, the report said. Particularly for big families, buying a membership to one of these stores can be worthwhile when it comes to saving money in the long run on items they regularly buy and need.