Trace One has released a new report about the U.S. states spending the most on groceries.
Overall, grocery prices are up nearly 25% since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, though certain items have seen even more significant upticks. This upward trend in food costs is particularly concerning for families on tight budgets, as food expenses represent a non-negotiable necessity.
Groceries account for the largest share of individual spending in a number of states where income is relatively low, or where grocery prices are especially high. However, even in regions where grocery spending constitutes a smaller portion of income, consumers still find themselves grappling with significant weekly food bills. In 37 states, consumers report weekly household grocery expenditures exceeding $250 on average.
Researchers calculated the share of total consumer spending allocated to groceries for each state, then ranked states accordingly. The full report also includes a complete breakdown of price increases for nearly 40 popular grocery store items since March 2020.
Here are the key takeaways from the report for New York State:
- The average New York State household spends $266 on groceries each week.
- On average, grocery spending represents 7.0% of New York State residents’ total consumer spending.
- Overall, New York residents dedicate the 3rd smallest percentage of total consumer spending to groceries of any U.S. state.
Source: Trace One analysis of U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data.
