The cost of basic food in different states: where food is most expensive and cheapest

The latest increase in the consumer price index by four percent in May 2023 compared to 2022 was the smallest jump in the last two years. Experts believe that we are entering the third phase of inflation, when profit-oriented decisions will lead to the fact that customers and buyers will receive a price increase. How much do basic products already cost residents of various states, analysts found out CashNetUSA.

Photo: IStock

While the price of eggs dropped to an average of $2,67 in May from a January peak of $4,82, prices remain at varying levels across states. For example, in Alaska and Hawaii, for logistical reasons, they will always be high. And to determine where residents pay the most for products, analysts CashNetUSA compared prices at Walmart stores.

On the subject: How to save up to $20 a year on groceries: life hacks from a former Walmart employee

They budgeted 12 staple food and drink items (including a vegan option) and compared their cost to average local incomes in each state. Here's what they found.

Prices in different states

Top 10 states with the highest prices:

1. Hawaii - +26,18% (to the national average cost)
2. Alaska - +20,11%
3. Tennessee - +14,30%
4. Georgia - +14,23;
5. Missouri - +13,20%
6. Alabama - +12,50%
7. California - +5,07%
8. Arkansas - +2,45%
9. Minnesota - +2,43%
10. North Carolina - +1,56%

10 states with the lowest prices:

1. West Virginia - -7,70% (national average)
2. Delaware - -7,13%
3. Kentucky - -6,72%
4. Ohio - -6,48%
5. Kansas - -6,17%
6. Michigan - -5,13
7. Pennsylvania - -4,99%
8. New York - -4,82%
9. Oklahoma - -4,65%
10. Nebraska - -4,46%

How much to work

With prices, everything is clear, but to complete the picture, you need to take into account the salary in various states. After all, where a resident of one state needs to work 1 hour to afford to buy something, a resident of another state will need 2 hours to buy the same product.

So, how much do residents of different states have to work to afford the same food basket.

10 states where you need to work longer:

1. Alabama - 2 hours 2 minutes
2. Tennessee - 2 hours
3. Mississippi - 2 hours
4. Arkansas - 1 hour 55 minutes
5. Missouri - 1 hour 55 minutes
6. South Carolina - 1 hour 50 minutes
7. Georgia - 1 hour 50 minutes
8. South Dakota - 1 hour 50 minutes
9. Hawaii - 1 hour 50 minutes
10. Louisiana - 1 hour 49 minutes

10 states where you need to work less:

1. New York - 1 hour 10 minutes
2. Massachusetts - 1 hour 12 minutes
3. Washington - 1 hour 13 minutes
4. New Jersey - 1 hour 14 minutes
5. Maryland - 1 hour 18 minutes
6. Connecticut - 1 hour 18 minutes
7. California - 1 hour 20 minutes
8. Virginia - 1 hour 20 minutes
9. Delaware - 1 hour 21 minutes
10. Rhode Island - 1 hour 22 minutes

You can find your state in the list, if it is not in the top 10, by link.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

Main conclusions

Outside of Hawaii (+26,18%) and Alaska (+20,11%), Tennessee, Georgia, Missouri and Alabama pay about 12,5% ​​more for groceries than the national average.

Food prices are best in West Virginia, Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, and Kansas, where they are about 6-7% cheaper than the national average.

Read also on ForumDaily:

13 Ice Cream Truck Secrets Almost No One Knows About

14-Year-Old College Graduate Runs Two Companies Says His Secret Is Video Games

Ten US cities where you can buy a dream home at an affordable price

Scientists create synthetic human embryo without egg or sperm

How long do different breeds of dogs live, and how to extend their life

Nine beaches in California with the dirtiest water: swimming there can cause stomach diseases, ear infections and rashes

Chat etiquette: how not to write so as not to piss off the interlocutor

How much water a day you need to drink in the summer heat, and how else to avoid dehydration

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.