States That Spend the Most at the Grocery Store [2024 Data Study]

Groceries are a constant in everyone’s budget, but how much people spend — and where they shop — varies significantly depending on where they live. From the percentage of income dedicated to food to the availability of grocery stores, regional differences shape how Americans navigate the aisles at their local supermarkets.

To uncover these patterns, we analyzed census data alongside a survey of over 3,400 Americans to explore everything from grocery store density to spending habits during the holidays. The results reveal not just where Americans spend the most but also how they shop, shedding light on preferences for self-checkout, loyalty programs, and payment methods.

Let’s grab a cart and take a look at everything grocery across the U.S.

Which States Spend the Highest Percentage of Their Income on Groceries?

Grocery bills can be a major expense for U.S. households. On average, Americans spend about $930 per month on groceries — that’s over $11,000 a year or roughly 14% of their annual income. But not all states feel the pinch equally.

By analyzing grocery spending and median household income data, we found which states dedicate the largest — and smallest — portion of their income to groceries. We also explored which states have the most and fewest grocery stores per capita, offering insights into how access might impact spending.

States That Spend the Most of Their Income on Groceries

1. Mississippi – 21.1% of income
2. West Virginia – 20.2%
3. Louisiana – 19.9%
4. New Mexico – 19.7%
5. Alabama – 18.4%

It’s no surprise that states topping this list tend to have lower median household incomes. In Mississippi, where incomes are among the lowest in the nation, groceries take up more than one-fifth of household earnings. West Virginia, Louisiana, and New Mexico show similar patterns, with residents also spending up to 20% of their income on groceries — a significant chunk of their paychecks on food.

Regional trends suggest that Southern states, where incomes tend to be lower than national averages, feel the impact of grocery spending more sharply.

States That Spend the Least of Their Income on Groceries

1. New Hampshire – 10.7% of income
2. Maryland – 11.2%
3. New Jersey – 11.4%
4. Massachusetts – 11.5%
5. Utah – 11.8%

Higher-income states like New Hampshire, Maryland, and Massachusetts dominate this list, where groceries account for a smaller percentage of household income. They spend nearly half as much of their income as states on the higher end of the ranking.

Utah stands out as the only Western state in the top 5, which could be due to its comparatively lower grocery costs and larger average household sizes that benefit from economies of scale.

States With the Most Grocery Stores (Per 10K Residents)

1. New York – 4.3
2. Vermont – 3.3
3. Alaska – 2.9
4. Maine – 2.6
5. New Jersey – 2.6

New York leads the country with the highest grocery store density at 4.3 stores per 10K residents, a reflection of its urban centers like New York City, where accessibility to grocery stores is a necessity. New Jersey rounds out the top 5 for similar reasons.

States like Vermont, Alaska, and Maine rank 2 through 4 for the opposite reason. You’d think their lower populations would call for fewer stores, but with towns more geographically spread, they have to maintain higher store densities to ensure residents in small towns throughout the state have adequate access.

States With the Fewest Grocery Stores (Per 10K Residents)

1. Arizona – 1.1
2. Nevada – 1.1
3. Utah – 1.1
4. New Mexico – 1.2
5. Texas – 1.2

The Southwest dominates the lower extreme of this list, reflecting the region’s sprawling suburbs and larger distances between population centers. States like Texas and Arizona, known for their expansive geographies, often consolidate grocery stores into larger chains serving wider areas. This lower density may force residents to drive farther for groceries, impacting convenience and potentially influencing spending habits.

While Southern states face greater financial strain from grocery costs, states in the Northeast enjoy higher incomes that help offset their expenses. At the same time, grocery store density highlights access disparities, particularly between the Northeast and Southwest.

Next, we’ll delve into survey data revealing how Americans shop for groceries. From payment methods to holiday spending trends, we’ll uncover the habits that shape grocery purchases nationwide.

How Americans Shop for Groceries

Grocery shopping habits reveal a lot about how Americans manage their budgets, maximize savings, and adapt to rising costs. Our survey dug into the details, highlighting trends in spending priorities, payment methods, and preferences that shape how people navigate the aisles.

Here are our findings from our survey of over 3,400 Americans:

Where the Grocery Budget Goes

• Meat is the top spending category, with 37% of grocery budgets going toward proteins.
• Produce takes the second spot, accounting for 23%, while packaged foods claim 16% of the average grocery bill.

Meat and produce take up so much of our grocery budgets, likely because fresh, high-quality ingredients cost more than their canned or frozen alternatives. Packaged foods, while a smaller share, still play a key role in pantry staples and convenience meals.

Bag Preferences at Checkout

• 51% of Americans still use plastic bags at checkout.
• 39% bring reusable bags, while 10% opt for paper.

The rise of reusable bags highlights a growing shift toward sustainability, especially in states with plastic bag bans. However, the convenience of plastic persists, particularly in areas without such regulations.

Checkout Trends

• 60% of Americans prefer self-checkout lanes.
• 70% of Gen Z favors this option compared to just 47% of baby boomers.

Self-checkout’s popularity reflects a desire for speed and control … and maybe a general aversion to check-out aisle small talk. This trend is especially popular among younger generations who embrace the tech-savvy solution.

• Over 1 in 10 Americans (12%) report “often” using grocery delivery services.
• 16% say they frequently use scheduled pickup options.

Convenience is key for busy shoppers, with services like grocery delivery and pickup helping them save time, particularly during hectic weeks.

Saving Strategies and Payment Methods

• 66% of Americans prefer generic brands over name brands for grocery staples.

Choosing generics is a tried-and-true way to stretch budgets, especially as food prices rise.

• Nearly 43% of shoppers use credit cards to pay for groceries, while 44% rely on debit cards. Men are more likely to use credit cards (49%) than women (38%).
• Half of Americans have a credit card that rewards grocery spending, like cash-back or points.

For those with rewards cards, grocery purchases become a dual win — stocking the fridge while earning valuable perks. Maximizing these benefits can help offset rising grocery costs.

Holiday and Inflation Impacts

• 80% of Americans see their grocery bills increase during the holidays, with 65% shopping more frequently during this time.
• 88% say their grocery costs have risen over the past year, and 93% report higher bills over the past 3 years.

The holiday season brings both joy and financial strain, as festive meals and gatherings drive up expenses. Inflation only adds to the challenge, making strategic shopping and rewards programs more important than ever.

Loyalty Programs and Rewards

• Nearly three-quarters of Americans are members of grocery store loyalty programs.
• Gen Z is the least likely to enroll (42%), while women lead participation over men (79% vs. 68%).

Loyalty programs are a simple way to rack up savings, especially when combined with credit cards that offer rewards like points and cash-back at supermarkets. For frequent shoppers, these programs are a no-brainer for reducing costs on repeat purchases.

From grocery budgets spent on meat and produce to the growing reliance on self-checkout and rewards programs, these trends showcase how Americans balance convenience and cost. Next, we’ll explore the states where holiday grocery bills surge the most — and how residents adapt to seasonal spending spikes.

How Much Do Grocery Bills Increase During the Holidays?

The holiday season brings together family, friends, and, apparently, higher grocery bills. Across the U.S., Americans estimate their grocery spending jumps by just over 20% during this time of year. From festive feasts to special treats, the extra spending shows the spirit of the season but can strain household budgets.

Our analysis uncovered which states see the largest — and smallest — spikes in grocery spending during the holiday season.

States That Increase Their Grocery Spending the Most

1. Hawaii – 29.8%
2. Montana – 28.3%
3. Tennessee – 28.2%
4. Virginia – 27.9%
5. Texas – 27.7%

Hawaii leads the pack, which isn’t too surprising given its higher cost of living and reliance on imported goods that can make seasonal splurges even pricier. Meanwhile, Texas’s sprawling size and culturally diverse holiday traditions likely contribute to its residents going all out at the grocery store.

States That Increase Their Grocery Spending the Least

1. Wisconsin – 17%
2. New Jersey – 18%
3. Nebraska – 18.9%
4. Massachusetts – 19.3%
5. Minnesota – 19.3%

While every state reports an increase of some kind, Wisconsin tops the list with the smallest increase in holiday grocery spending. This could be linked to its strong tradition of producing holiday staples like cheese and meats locally, keeping distribution costs lower. New Jersey and Massachusetts may rank low on our list because their densely concentrated supermarkets need to keep prices more competitive to bring in customers. They also have higher average grocery costs throughout the year, so holiday surge pricing is likely less substantial.

States in the South and West tend to report the largest increases, reflecting both higher holiday consumption and, in some cases, less access to competitive pricing. On the other hand, states in the Midwest and Northeast appear to be more conservative in their holiday spending.

The holidays are a time for celebration, but for many, they’re also a reminder of the impact that extra grocery spending can have on their budgets.

Methodology

To determine the parts of the country that spend the most on groceries and where grocery store access is highest, we analyzed census data on grocery spending and density in every state. We normalized those data points against median income and population to allow for more accurate comparisons across states. The grocery spending data comes from the Household Pulse Survey, and the grocery store establishment data comes from the County Business Patterns Survey, which was normalized based on population estimates from the American Community Survey.

We also surveyed over 3,400 Americans from 48 states over 2 weeks in November 2024 to get insight into their typical grocery shopping habits and how much more they spend on groceries during the holiday season. Alaska and Wyoming were excluded from our analysis due to limited survey responses.

Final Thoughts

Grocery spending habits and access to stores vary widely across the U.S., with some states dedicating a larger share of income to groceries and others benefiting from more convenient access. The holidays amplify these differences, as nearly every state sees an increase in grocery bills to celebrate the season.

No matter where you live, grocery shopping is a prime opportunity to maximize credit card rewards. With many offering cash-back or points on grocery purchases, these everyday expenses can work harder for you. At Upgraded Points, we specialize in helping people turn routine spending into meaningful rewards — whether that’s earning cash-back, funding future travel, or saving on holiday costs.