States Where People Spend the Most & Least on Groceries

A new WalletHub analysis shows that grocery affordability varies widely by state — with Southern states like Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas spending the largest share of income on groceries, while higher-income Northeastern states such as New Jersey and Massachusetts spend the least relative to earnings.

The key insight is that grocery strain is driven less by prices alone and more by income levels, highlighting how regional economic realities shape consumer budgeting behavior and influence how households prioritize spending.