Do you feel the price of groceries at checkout? Of course we have, so you are not alone. In recent years, grocery spending has increased by more than 25% between 2019 and 2024. In finding the largest increase in grocery spending, we analyzed USDA data from 2019 to 2024.
Key Discovery
- Idaho lists the largest states spending on groceries. Idaho spent an average of $3,907.85 in 2024 groceries, up $138.81 (3.7%) from 2023.
- In 2024, Americans spent an average of $3,241.81 on groceries ($270.15 per month).
- Six of the top ten states with the largest increase in grocery spending between 2023 and 2024 are located in the West: Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Montana, California and New Mexico.
- In 2024, Alaskas spent the most money on grocery stores ($3,918.14), followed by Idaho ($3,907.85) and Montana ($3,872.72).
- Between 2019 and 2024, Tennessee’s grocery spending increased the most (44.6%), up $1,038.42 per year.
No wonder two-thirds of Americans pay serious attention to their spending on food.
But there are impacts everywhere. In some states, prices are rising even higher, which puts weekly grocery stores more stress on households trying to extend each dollar. To understand these increases, let’s turn to state-by-state analysis.
Top 10 states with the most jump in grocery spending
Whether you’re just curious about what’s going on in your area or looking for ways to expand your grocery budget, you can compare grocery prices from state to state.
If you want to save without browsing the flavors, our favorite budget-friendly recipe is a great place to start. Scroll down to see the biggest increase in grocery spending between 2023 and 2024.
1. Idaho
In 2024, Idaho people spend an average of $3,907.85 to buy groceries, and $325.65 per month. This is 3.7% higher than in 2023, an increase of $138.81 a year.
2. Michigan
Michigan’s grocery price hit $2,984.95 in 2024 (about $248.75 per month), up 3.3% from the previous year. $95.58 per year.
3. South Dakota
South Dakotans paid an average of $3,302.58 for groceries in 2024, about $275.22 per month. This is 3.2% higher than in 2023, with the difference being US$103.23.
4. Utah
Grocery spending in Utah averages $3,757.91 in 2024, and $313.16 per month. This is an increase of $114.69 from 2023, an increase of 3.1%.
5. Nevada
Nevadans spent about $3,601.16 ($300.10 per month) on grocery companies in 2024, an increase of 3.1% from 2023, with an annual difference of $109.57.
6. Pennsylvania
Keystone State’s grocery spending increased by 3.1% from 2023 to 2024 to $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, up 3% from 2023, up $82.48.
8. Montana
Montanans spent an average of $3,872.72 in groceries in 2024, about $322.73 per month. This is 2.9% higher than in 2023 ($110.13 more).
9. California
In 2024, Californians sold an average of $3,363.21 of groceries, about $280.27 per month, 2.83% higher than last year ($92.56 more).
10. New Mexico
Grocery prices in New Mexico hit $3,449.80 in 2024, and $287.48 per month. That’s 2.8% higher than in 2023, or $94.04.
Grocery Store Expenditures in the Last 5 Years
Grocery prices have risen nationwide over the past five years, but spending in Tennessee has jumped 44.6% but nowhere to be found. Compared to 2019, the annual grocery volume in 2024 is $1,038.42.
Other states that have seen a sharp increase include:
- Arizona: 39.3% increase ($1,010.02)
- California: Up 39.1% (up $944.92)
- Nevada: Up 38.7% (up $1,003.97)
- Utah: Up 36.3% (increase $1,001.56)
Use these tips to beat the price surge in grocery stores
Grocery prices can be tough, but eating well does not have to go bankrupt. With some simple habits, you can enjoy delicious, budget-friendly meals while keeping groceries costing.
- Start with the recipe you really like: Choose the simple, affordable meal you expect – such as soups, tacos or slow-cooked dishes. These recipes are easy to prepare, perfect for leftovers and help you plan smart without sacrificing flavor.
- Cook once, eat twice (or more): Cooking friendly and friendly dishes in batches is a great way to save time and money. Enjoy a larger portion of the week in a few meals – a few wastes and reduce hassle.
- Making meals around pantry and seasonal produce: Store on pantry essentials for rice, beans and pasta. They pair them with fresh, seasonal produce to create delicious, affordable and adaptable to locally available meals. Our simple beans or this vegetarian spaghetti are great examples!
- It can be started from scratch where possible: Simple homemade seasonings, dressings and dips, such as this simple salsa, adds flavor without adding cost. They are easy to whip and can further expand your grocery budget.
- Use coupons wisely: Grocery prices may vary more than you would expect, even between stores in the same neighborhood. Take a few minutes to compare grocery prices, check weekly flyers, and use digital coupons as the item you have already purchased. These little habits can help you expand your budget further (without sacrificing the meals you like to cook).
Methodology
To determine where grocery spending climbed, data from the USDA inspired taste analysis in all 50 states were analyzed, comparing two critical periods: 2019-2024 and 2023–2024.
Reasonable use of sentences
We hope you share these findings, but please attribute them to inspired tastes by sharing the link to this page.
We are Adam and Joanne, a couple who are passionate about cooking and sharing delicious, reliable recipes since 2009. Our goal? Inspire you to enter the kitchen and cook fresh and delicious meals confidently.
