Hawaii and Alaska Residents Pay Most for Groceries

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According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hawaii and Alaska have the highest average weekly grocery costs in the U.S. at $157 and $152 respectively, far exceeding the national average of $118. The high costs are largely due to the states' reliance on imported foods, which incur significant freight charges. While states like California and Washington also have above-average grocery bills, the reasons are more tied to higher costs of living, labor, and real estate. Conversely, Midwestern and Southern states like Arkansas, Iowa, and Oklahoma have the lowest average weekly grocery spending at around $111.

Why it matters

The high grocery costs in Hawaii and Alaska highlight the challenges faced by non-contiguous states that must import the majority of their food supply. This puts a significant financial strain on residents, especially those with lower incomes. Understanding the regional disparities in grocery spending can inform policy decisions and help consumers make more informed choices about their household budgets.

The details

Hawaii imports around 90% of its food, which means most supermarket goods must travel thousands of miles by ship, adding hefty freight costs. Alaska also relies heavily on imported foods, as the state's climate is not well-suited for large-scale agricultural production. In contrast, Midwestern and Southern states like Arkansas, Iowa, and Oklahoma are closer to major agricultural production centers, resulting in lower transportation costs and, in turn, lower grocery prices.

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics data was published in 2026.