Grocery bills aren’t created equal.
In some U.S. cities, shopping for basics costs dramatically more than in others — driven by housing markets, shipping costs, and local demand.
The latest 2025 data highlights where wallets are hit hardest.
Honolulu, HI
Island shipping costs make Hawaii the most expensive place in the country to buy groceries. Prices here run more than 20% higher than in New York, putting Honolulu in a league of its own.
San Francisco, CA
The Bay Area’s high cost of living extends to the grocery aisle. Fresh produce and staples carry price tags rivaling rent hikes.
New York, NY
No surprise here — the nation’s biggest metro has grocery costs stacked as high as its skyscrapers. Convenience and demand keep prices inflated.
Seattle, WA
With booming tech money and growing demand, Seattle shoppers face above-average grocery costs, especially for fresh and organic items.
Boston, MA
Shipping, cold storage, and coastal rents combine to keep Boston’s grocery bills among the highest in the U.S.
San Jose, CA
Silicon Valley wealth pushes up everyday costs, groceries included. Tech salaries may keep pace, but locals still pay top-tier prices.
Washington, D.C.
High demand and tight supply leave the nation’s capital with one of the steepest grocery price indexes.
Philadelphia, PA
Philly stands out on the East Coast for higher-than-average grocery bills, squeezed by logistics and steady demand.
Pittsburgh, PA
Rust Belt exception: Pittsburgh’s grocery costs remain surprisingly high compared with neighboring regions.
Sacramento, CA
California’s capital city isn’t spared from the state’s inflated grocery market, keeping costs near the top nationwide.
Prediction
Expect Honolulu to stay unchallenged at No. 1, while California metros continue filling the ranks. Unless shipping costs ease or housing markets cool, grocery sticker shock isn’t going away.
