A recent study by LendingTree highlights that Nevada residents face some of the highest grocery expenses in the United States. On average, Nevada households spend $10,339 annually on groceries, which is 27.2% above the national average of $8,167, placing the state fourth in the nation for grocery spending. Leading the list are Utah, Alaska, and Hawaii, with Utah households spending the most at $11,884 per year, which is 45.5% more than the national average.
The study’s methodology involved dividing the average household spending on groceries by the total number of households, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey. This figure was then compared against the average household income in each state.
Nevada also ranks high in terms of the percentage of income spent on groceries, tying with Utah at 10.1% based on a median income of $102,911. Idaho tops this list, with residents spending 10.4% of their median income of $98,748 on groceries.
According to Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief consumer finance analyst, the high grocery costs in these states may be attributed to their sparser populations compared to more urbanized Eastern states, where housing costs consume a larger share of income. In more urban states, the prevalence of dining-out options might reduce the need for at-home grocery spending.
To mitigate high grocery bills, Schulz advises consumers to utilize credit card rewards, compare prices across different stores, and purchase items in bulk where feasible, ensuring that it is cost-effective.