Understanding Grocery Spending Across US Cities: Insights from a New Study

Grocery Spending Analysis in US Cities

As grocery prices continue to march higher, some U.S. cities are feeling the burden more than others, according to a study by WalletHub analyzing 100 of the largest cities. The findings reveal that Detroit residents spend a whopping 3.78% of their income on groceries, which is the highest among all cities surveyed. Despite mediocre prices for grocery items, the city's average income remains one of the lowest, placing greater strain on households.

Top Cities with Highest Grocery Spending

• 1. Detroit - 3.78%
• 2. Cleveland - 3.77%
• 3. Birmingham, Ala. - 3.28%
• 4. Newark, N.J. - 3.16%
• 5. Toledo, Ohio - 3.09%
• 6. Hialeah, Fla. - 3.00%
• 7. Buffalo, N.Y. - 2.98%
• 8. Cincinnati - 2.90%
• 9. Milwaukee - 2.89%
• 10. Memphis, Tenn. - 2.87%

In stark contrast, cities in California like San Francisco and San Jose show the lowest percentages of income spent on groceries, averaging below 1.5%.

Lowest Grocery Spending Cities

1. 1. Fremont, Calif. - 0.96%
2. 2. San Jose, Calif. - 1.16%
3. 3. San Francisco - 1.22%
4. 4. Irvine, Calif. - 1.23%
5. 5. Gilbert, Ariz. - 1.24%
6. 6. Seattle - 1.32%
7. 7. Plano, Texas - 1.33%
8. 8. Santa Clarita, Calif. - 1.33%
9. 9. Huntington Beach, Calif. - 1.33%
10. 10. Scottsdale, Ariz. - 1.40%

Overall, the study highlights a growing concern as many Americans report that grocery expenses are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Recent CPI data indicates a 0.6% increase in grocery prices over the month, suggesting that food affordability continues to worsen for many.