"These insights underscore the growing financial burden that rising grocery costs place on American households, especially in states where incomes haven't kept pace with inflation,” said a PriceListo expert. “Families are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their budgets as a larger share of their earnings goes toward basic necessities. To ease this financial strain, economic measures such as raising the minimum wage, expanding food assistance programs, and regulating prices should be implemented to reduce the burden of grocery costs on low- and middle-income families.”
Mississippi residents spend the greatest percentage of income in groceries at 30.8 percent, followed by Louisiana (28 percent). New Mexico, Alabama and Oklahoma round out the top five at 27.3, 26 and 25.8 percent, respectively.
Conversely, New Hampshire residents spend the lowest percentage of their income on groceries at 13.9 percent, followed by Maryland (15.2 percent). Massachusetts, New Jersey and Connecticut rounded out the bottom five at 15.6, 15.8 and 16.3 percent, respectively.
Based on dollars spent, Hawaii ($17,234), Alaska ($16,969), California ($15,377), Nevada ($15222) and Mississippi ($15061) top the list. Spending the least were Wisconsin ($11,404), Iowa ($11,713), Nebraska ($12,126), Michigan ($12,178) and West Virginia ($12,332).