Food prices in the USA vary widely across regions and store types. In the United States, there is a much wider range of flavors for sodas, chocolate, and jerky. What may seem unusual is that Americans often don’t buy snacks in supermarkets, but instead go to one of the fast-food places. Ironically, eating at these restaurants can often be cheaper.
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Supermarkets in the USA
Where to Buy Groceries in the USA
Among the brick-and-mortar stores, the cheapest places to buy food are supermarkets and giant hypermarkets. The biggest chains include Walmart, Whole Foods, Kroger, Costco, Walgreens, Target, CVS Pharmacy, Albertsons, and Vons.How to Save Money When Shopping for Groceries in the USA
Almost all grocery chains have a loyalty program or mobile app. Members can save up to 50%, get buy one get one free products, and more. From my own experience, it is beneficial to register for these programs even as a foreigner, the savings are noticeable.Food Prices Are Quoted Without Sales Tax
In the USA, price tags display the amount without sales tax, so anticipate an increase when you pay. Sales tax varies from state to state, ranging from 0% to 10%. -
Food Prices in the USA 2024
Food prices vary depending on location and the type of store. In general, small stores and convenience stores have higher prices than hypermarkets.
The table below shows average retail food prices in major USA cities. Prices are net of sales tax, as the amount varies from state to state.
Item Quantity Price in January 2023 Price in January 2024 Flour, white all purpouse 2.20 lb $1.19 $1.19 Rice, white long grain 2.20 lb $2.14 $2.19 Spaghetti and macaroni 1.10 lb $3.25 $3.02 Bread, white pan 2.20 lb $4.16 $4.36 Bread, whole wheat pan 2.20 lb $5.40 $5.78 Chocolate Chip Cookies 150 g $1.67 $1.67 Ground 100% Beef 2.20 lb $10.56 $11.80 Sirloin Steak, boneless 2.20 lb $22.74 $25 Beef for Stew, boneless 2.20 lb $14.93 $15.78 Bacon, sliced 100 g $15.01 $15.21 Pork Chops, boneless 2.20 lb $9.44 $10.21 Ham, boneless 100 g $1.21 $1.22 Chicken, fresh, whole 2.20 lb $4.09 $4.36 Chicken breast, boneless 2.20 lb $9.51 $8.95 Chicken legs, bone-in 2.20 lb $4.12 $4.08 Eggs 1 pc $0.30 $0.18 Milk, fresh 1 l $1.11 $1.05 American Processed Cheese 100 g $1.04 $1.05 Cheddar Cheese 100 g $1.31 $1.25 Ice Cream, prepackaged 1 litr $3.06 $3.17 Bananas 2.20 lb $1.41 $1.38 Oranges 2.20 lb $3.34 $3.67 Lemons 2.20 lb $4.84 $4.54 Strawberries 2.20 lb $10.19 $8.72 Potatoes 2.20 lb $2.08 $2.17 Lettuce, romaine 2.20 lb $7.69 $6.23 Tomatoes 2.20 lb $4.65 $4.28 Sugar, white 2.20 lb $1.87 $2.11 Coffee, ground roast 250 g $3.50 $3.40 Potato Chips 100 g $1.38 $1.36 Malt Beverages 0,5 l $1.82 $1.84 Wine 1 litr $13.36 $13.33 Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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