The average American spends about $270.21 weekly on groceries, although those living in states like Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska report lower expenditures. This data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau Household Survey, which analyzed grocery costs for around 80,000 households between mid-October and early November 2023.
Despite a significant drop in overall prices in 2023 and 2024 due to a lengthy inflation period, many shoppers still experience high grocery bills. The costs associated with groceries tend to vary by state, influenced by factors like living expenses and local economic conditions.
Among the states with the lowest grocery costs, Wisconsin ranks at $221.46, followed by Iowa at $227.32 and Nebraska at $235.12. Other states with comparatively low grocery spending include Michigan, Indiana, and West Virginia, all below the national average.
Grocery bills can be affected by multiple factors. For instance, the overall cost of living directly impacts food prices, with residents in California facing the highest bills at $297.72 per week. Households with children also tend to spend more, averaging $331.94 per week, which is 41% higher than those without children. Furthermore, individuals receiving certain government aid, like SNAP, show higher average spending on groceries.
In summary, grocery costs are influenced by local economic factors, household configurations, and the specific aid received. Shopping strategies such as taking advantage of discounts and carefully reviewing receipts can help enhance savings on grocery expenses.