Hawaii Tops List as Most Expensive State for Groceries

New York ranks 11th, while Southern states see lower costs

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:47pm

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A new study by Visual Capitalist found that Hawaii has the most expensive grocery bills in the U.S., with residents spending an average of $157 per week on groceries - 33% higher than the national average of $118. Alaska came in second at $152 per week, followed by California, Washington, and Vermont rounding out the top five most expensive states. In contrast, Southern states like Arkansas had the lowest grocery costs, around 6% below the national average.

Why it matters

The high cost of groceries, especially in states like Hawaii and Alaska, can have a significant impact on household budgets and the overall cost of living. This data highlights regional disparities in food prices and the challenges faced by residents in more remote or isolated areas to access affordable groceries.

The details

The study calculated the average weekly grocery cost for a median-income household in each state based on 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics price indexes. Factors contributing to the elevated prices in places like California and Hawaii include higher wages, rent, utilities, and distribution costs. In Alaska, prices can vary dramatically between urban and rural areas not accessible by road.

  • The study analyzed grocery prices and costs across the U.S. in 2025.

The players

Visual Capitalist

An online tech and economy publication that conducted the study on grocery costs across the United States.

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The takeaway

This study highlights the significant regional disparities in grocery costs across the United States, with residents in more remote or isolated states like Hawaii and Alaska facing the highest prices. This data underscores the challenges of accessing affordable food in certain parts of the country and the impact it can have on household budgets and the overall cost of living.