It doesn’t take much to spend $100 at the grocery store anymore. A few bags of groceries, some fresh produce, and a handful of household staples can quickly eat into your weekly budget. Even when you’re careful about what goes into your cart, the checkout total can still be frustrating.
But depending on where you live, keeping your kitchen stocked could cost you considerably more than it does for someone in another part of the country.
A recent analysis found that some U.S. households face estimated monthly grocery bills approaching $1,600 or more. And while expensive places like New York and California made the list, the locations at the very top might surprise you.
Where Groceries Are Costing Americans the Most
According to a 2026 report from The Kitchn, finance research group Vettory examined cost-of-living data alongside household income figures from the U.S. Census Bureau to identify places with the highest estimated monthly grocery spending.
The findings show that grocery costs vary considerably by location. The ranking also includes New York City boroughs, which aren’t separate cities.
Here are the 10 locations that topped the list, along with their estimated monthly grocery costs.
- Honolulu, Hawaii — $1,630
- Juneau, Alaska — $1,597
- Anchorage, Alaska — $1,537
- Fairbanks, Alaska — $1,529
- Manhattan, New York — $1,439
- San Francisco, California — $1,432
- Brooklyn, New York — $1,424
- Queens, New York — $1,408
- San Diego, California — $1,395
- Oakland, California — $1,388
Why Some Cities Have Much Higher Grocery Bills
One interesting finding is that Hawaii and Alaska rank among the top four.
Location plays a major role in grocery prices, especially where food must travel long distances before reaching store shelves.
Hawaii relies heavily on shipments from the mainland, while many Alaska communities face additional transportation challenges. Those shipping expenses can increase the cost of everything from fresh produce to everyday pantry staples.
Meanwhile, places like Manhattan, San Francisco, and Brooklyn have high operating costs, including commercial rent and labor, which can contribute to higher grocery prices.
But another important factor is how much households earn.
Although San Francisco has one of the highest estimated grocery bills, higher household incomes can help offset some of that expense. In contrast, the study identified Oakland as having the highest estimated grocery spending burden relative to household income among the locations on the list.
That means two households could spend similar amounts on groceries, but the financial impact could differ greatly depending on how much money they bring home.
Related: 13 Foods Frugal People Leave Off Their Grocery Lists
What You Can Do to Keep Grocery Costs Down
You can’t control grocery prices in your city, but you can still make your food budget go further.
Comparing unit prices, planning meals around weekly sales, and checking prices at multiple grocery stores can help. Store brands are also worth considering, particularly for pantry staples and household essentials.
And while buying in bulk can save money, it’s only a bargain if you’ll actually use everything before it goes bad.
These figures are also estimates based on regional cost-of-living data, not what every household actually spends. Your own grocery bill will depend on household size, shopping habits, and where you buy your food.
The study also reminds us that where you live can significantly affect your everyday expenses. Even when two households buy similar groceries, they can spend very different amounts depending on their location.
