NM ranks near the top of the nation for high grocery bills

New Mexico has ranked as the eighth-highest state for grocery bills in the U.S., according to a Visual Capitalist analysis mapping how much Americans spend on groceries across all states. Despite New Mexico’s relatively low cost of living compared to more expensive states like California, residents still face elevated food costs, with households spending approximately $286 per week—or around $1,144 a month—on groceries.

Nationally, grocery prices have surged significantly, with costs for “food at home” rising by 20% since August 2020, marking the steepest inflation since the 1970s, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. American households spend about $270 weekly on groceries, translating to $1,080 monthly, based on data sourced from the Census Bureau. Yet, the burden of food costs varies significantly from state to state.

Hawaii and Alaska top the list for the highest grocery expenditures, each surpassing $300 per week. The primary driver for these elevated costs is shipping; both states rely heavily on imports due to insufficient local food production, significantly inflating prices. Meanwhile, in high-cost states like California, residents spend roughly $298 per week on groceries, making it the third most expensive state for food shopping.

Interestingly, despite New Mexico’s lower overall living expenses compared to states like California or Washington, its residents still face substantial grocery bills. This puts the state among the top ten in terms of food costs, a situation that poses a considerable financial strain. 

The analysis indicates that states like Mississippi, Arizona, and New Mexico, which are typically characterized by lower general living costs, still experience high food prices, reflecting a disproportionate burden on residents’ budgets.

The Midwest, in contrast, enjoys some of the lowest grocery prices in the nation, largely thanks to regional economies tied to farming and food production, which help stabilize costs. New Mexico’s position in the rankings highlights the complexity of food pricing trends in the U.S., where even regions with lower general living expenses can struggle with high grocery costs due to factors like transportation, supply chains, and inflationary pressures.

For further insights on food costs and how they impact different regions, visit the Visual Capitalist’s website to explore detailed data-driven charts.