Inflation peaked in June 2022, though it remains at decades-high levels partly because the cost of food has yet to follow suit. Still, food inflation actually eased somewhat in February, with prices for food at home up 10.2% from February 2022 – down from an 11.3% jump in January. The war in Ukraine has affected fertilizer, animal feed, and wheat costs, and sanctions on Russia have increased fuel prices. In addition, the culling of millions of chickens to curb the global avian flu outbreak will continue to affect egg and poultry prices until flocks are replenished. (Take a look at the price of a dozen eggs every year since 1973.)
Rising prices haven’t affected the nation equally. According to the Economic Innovation Group, prices in states with lower costs of living have increased the most. This is partly due to the industries that tend to flourish in cheaper states, such as manufacturing, being particularly susceptible to commodity and fuel cost increases.
To compile a list of cities with the biggest increase in food prices, 24/7 Tempo reviewed the report “U.S. Cities Where Food Prices Have Increased the Most,” by Nadrich & Cohen, a personal injury law firm. The firm created an index that ranks the 50 most populous U.S. cities on their food costs from the beginning of 2021 to the beginning of 2023. Specifically, the firm looked at seven basic grocery items: one dozen eggs, one loaf of bread, 1 gallon of whole milk, 16 ounces of local cheese, 1 pound of potatoes, 1 pound of apples, and 1 pound of chicken, using price estimates from Expatistan Cost of Living index and the Numbeo Cost of Living database.
Nationwide, the average total price for these seven different foods increased by 25.9% from just two years ago, but there is a wide disparity in grocery cost increases. Grocery bills in some cities increased by less than 10%, while in Indianapolis the grocery bill is up over 50% from the beginning of 2021 to the beginning of 2023.
According to the report, grocery bills in 18 cities rose above the national average of 25.9%. In the vast majority of cities, the grocery items that have gone up the most in price are eggs, with the price of eggs in Oklahoma City rising a whopping 151%. Chicken prices, too, increased considerably, up 85% in some cities. (Here are 21 household items with soaring prices since last year.)
Although food costs may continue to increase in 2023, they will likely do so at a slower pace than last year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts that grocery costs will likely increase 7.8% this year compared to 11.8% during 2022.
Click here to see the biggest food price increases in America’s largest cities
Source: Art Wager / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
50. Arlington, Texas
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 3.0%, reaching $19.22 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $4.53
> Item with the biggest price increase: 1 gallon of whole milk (25%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $3.34
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (21%)
Source: benedek / iStock via Getty Images
49. Memphis, Tennessee
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 6.6%, reaching $19.42 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $4.43
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs and 1 lb of chicken (32%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.00
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of potatoes (19%)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
48. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 6.8%, reaching $21.05 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $4.96
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (23%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.67
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: Loaf of bread (21%)
Source: peeterv / iStock via Getty Images
47. Tucson, Arizona
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 9.0%, reaching $21.73 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.33
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (54%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.40
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of potatoes and 1 gallon of whole milk (20%)
Source: arinahabich / iStock via Getty Images
46. Aurora, Colorado
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 9.1%, reaching $24.34 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $6.14
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (76%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $5.49
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: Loaf of bread (11%)
Source: Ron and Patty Thomas / E+ via Getty Images
45. Los Angeles, California
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 9.1%, reaching $27.38 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $6.46
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (24%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $6.20
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of apples (22%)
Source: Jacob Boomsma / iStock via Getty Images
44. Colorado Springs, Colorado
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 10.6%, reaching $22.98 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.29
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (57%)
> 2nd most expensive item: A dozen eggs, now costing $4.31
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 gallon of whole milk (23%)
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
43. Long Beach, California
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 11.9%, reaching $25.82 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $6.36
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (43%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $5.72
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: Loaf of bread (20%)
Source: ibsky / iStock via Getty Images
42. San Francisco, California
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 13.0%, reaching $35.76 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $8.77
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (34%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $7.77
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (33%)
Source: aiisha5 / iStock via Getty Images
41. Seattle, Washington
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 14.2%, reaching $30.03 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $7.71
> Item with the biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (45%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $7.33
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of potatoes (34%)
Source: Davel5957 / E+ via Getty Images
40. Tulsa, Oklahoma
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 14.5%, reaching $20.36 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $4.84
> Item with the biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (29%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.55
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of potatoes (25%)
Source: ChrisBoswell / iStock via Getty Images
39. Bakersfield, California
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 15.2%, reaching $25.52 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $6.85
> Item with the biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (53%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.63
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of apples (23%)
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Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
38. Albuquerque, New Mexico
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 15.9%, reaching $22.36 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.47
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (62%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.23
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 gallon of whole milk (27%)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
37. Houston, Texas
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 16.4%, reaching $23.24 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.68
> Item with the biggest price increase: Loaf of bread (30%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.23
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of apples (23%)
Source: Melpomenem / iStock via Getty Images
36. Oakland, California
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 16.6%, reaching $35.57 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $10.39
> Item with the biggest price increase: 1 lb of apples (27%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $6.84
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 gallon of whole milk and a dozen eggs (18%)
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
35. Baltimore, Maryland
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 17.6%, reaching $23.09 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.24
> Item with the biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (49%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.97
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (36%)
Source: Gian Lorenzo Ferretti Photography / E+ via Getty Images
34. Minneapolis, Minnesota
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 17.7%, reaching $24.3 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.13
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (96%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.75
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: Loaf of bread (37%)
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Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
33. Raleigh, North Carolina
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 18.0%, reaching $22.35 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $4.83
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (62%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.39
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: Loaf of bread (34%)
Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
32. El Paso, Texas
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 18.1%, reaching $19.69 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $4.33
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (77%)
> 2nd most expensive item: A dozen eggs, now costing $3.85
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (32%)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
31. Columbus, Ohio
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 18.2%, reaching $24.06 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $7.27
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (65%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.95
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 gallon of whole milk (34%)
Source: Gian Lorenzo Ferretti Photography / E+ via Getty Images
30. Chicago, Illinois
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 20.1%, reaching $26.01 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $6.5
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (65%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $5.70
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken and 1 gallon of whole milk (24%)
Source: Shunyu Fan / E+ via Getty Images
29. Fresno, California
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 20.5%, reaching $23.2 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.29
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (45%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.49
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: Loaf of bread (33%)
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
28. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 21.5%, reaching $27.93 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $7
> Item with the biggest price increase: 16 oz of cheese (60%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $6.69
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (30%)
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
27. Jacksonville, Florida
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 22.7%, reaching $25.83 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.84
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs and 1 lb of chicken (33%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $5.51
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: Loaf of bread (32%)
Source: TomasSereda / iStock via Getty Images
26. New York, New York
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 23.0%, reaching $34.93 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $8.41
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (43%)
> 2nd most expensive item: A dozen eggs, now costing $7.84
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (36%)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
25. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 23.1%, reaching $23.41 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $4.92
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (151%)
> 2nd most expensive item: A dozen eggs, now costing $4.46
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of potatoes (63%)
Source: Davel5957 / iStock via Getty Images
24. Omaha, Nebraska
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 23.6%, reaching $22.38 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.72
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (64%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.33
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 gallon of whole milk (47%)
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
23. San Diego, California
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 24.4%, reaching $28.38 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $5.98
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (70%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.91
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of potatoes (36%)
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
22. San Jose, California
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 25.0%, reaching $30.77 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $6.56
> Item with the biggest price increase: Loaf of bread (67%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $6.43
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (48%)
Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
21. Boston, Massachusetts
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 25.0%, reaching $30.18 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $7.82
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (83%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $6.72
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (32%)
Source: Davel5957 / iStock via Getty Images
20. Virginia Beach, Virginia
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 25.5%, reaching $22.54 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.7
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (58%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.72
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: Loaf of bread (41%)
Source: LUNAMARINA / iStock via Getty Images
19. Washington, DC
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 25.7%, reaching $28.97 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $7.68
> Item with the biggest price increase: 1 lb of potatoes (64%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $6.68
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (40%)
Source: jbentley09 / iStock via Getty Images
18. Portland, Oregon
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 26.9%, reaching $28.41 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $7.37
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (54%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $6.37
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (44%)
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
17. Nashville, Tennessee
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 27.1%, reaching $25.56 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $6.26
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (64%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $6.05
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (52%)
Source: Chris LaBasco / iStock via Getty Images
16. Sacramento, California
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 27.3%, reaching $29.71 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $7.4
> Item with the biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (85%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $6.82
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (33%)
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
15. San Antonio, Texas
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 28.1%, reaching $22.22 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $6.23
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (53%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.11
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 16 oz of cheese (35%)
Source: Barbara Smyers / iStock via Getty Images
14. Fort Worth, Texas
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 30.2%, reaching $24.13 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.33
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (79%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $5.05
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of potatoes (46%)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
13. Atlanta, Georgia
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 30.7%, reaching $24.31 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.7
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (79%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $5.17
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 16 oz of cheese (42%)
Source: pawel.gaul / E+ via Getty Images
12. Detroit, Michigan
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 30.9%, reaching $22.36 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.25
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (91%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $4.67
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (44%)
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
11. Dallas, Texas
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 32.4%, reaching $22.71 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $4.9
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (76%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $4.90
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of apples (38%)
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
10. Charlotte, North Carolina
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 32.9%, reaching $26.42 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $6.36
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (130%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.07
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (84%)
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
9. Mesa, Arizona
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 33.0%, reaching $22.79 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $5.56
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (105%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $4.46
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (85%)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
8. Wichita, Kansas
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 34.5%, reaching $21.8 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $5.31
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (107%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $5.22
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (54%)
Source: Art Wager / E+ via Getty Images
7. Miami, Florida
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 35.4%, reaching $30.86 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $7.07
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (76%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $6.74
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (50%)
Source: dszc / E+ via Getty Images
6. Austin, Texas
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 35.4%, reaching $27.5 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $7.07
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (64%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $6.37
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (58%)
Source: TriggerPhoto / iStock via Getty Images
5. Kansas City, Missouri
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 37.0%, reaching $25.54 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $6.34
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (126%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $5.32
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (44%)
Source: 4kodiak / E+ via Getty Images
4. Phoenix, Arizona
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 40.5%, reaching $25.12 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $6.26
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (95%)
> 2nd most expensive item: A dozen eggs, now costing $4.87
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: Loaf of bread (65%)
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 42.8%, reaching $26.39 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $6.51
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (170%)
> 2nd most expensive item: A dozen eggs, now costing $5.66
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (46%)
Source: milehightraveler / iStock via Getty Images
2. Denver, Colorado
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 44.0%, reaching $29.87 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $7.93
> Item with the biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (77%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $7.29
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: A dozen eggs and Loaf of bread (51%)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
1. Indianapolis, Indiana
> Increase in grocery bill since 2021: 50.6%, reaching $26.26 in 2023
> Most expensive item: 16 oz of cheese, now costing $6.14
> Item with the biggest price increase: A dozen eggs (127%)
> 2nd most expensive item: 1 lb of chicken, now costing $5.93
> Item with 2nd biggest price increase: 1 lb of chicken (71%)
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