Groceries Are Draining New York Wallets, Study Finds

According to new research from Roostys, New Yorkers are spending a huge chunk of their income just to keep their kitchens stocked — and it’s putting the state among the most expensive places in America to eat.

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The study compared grocery costs, average salaries, and how much income people are spending on food in every state. And while New Yorkers tend to earn more than most, it’s not enough to offset how expensive everyday life has become. Between city rent, transportation, and inflation that refuses to chill out, even a basic grocery run can feel like a luxury outing.

Read More: A Love Letter to Connecticut in the Fall 

Roostys found that New York residents spend nearly 15% of their income on groceries, averaging more than $10,500 a year. That ranks New York ninth in the nation — proof that even with big paychecks, big bills follow.

Top 10 states where groceries eat up the biggest slice of income:

1. Hawaii
2. South Carolina
3. Louisiana
4. Georgia
5. North Dakota
6. North Carolina
7. Pennsylvania
8. Alabama
9. New York
10. Maine

Roostys says it’s not just about sticker shock — it’s about how prices are outpacing pay. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports food-at-home costs have jumped nearly 25% since 2020, while most wages haven’t kept up. So yeah, if you’re standing in a New York grocery store wondering how two bags of food just cost $80, you’re not imagining things. It’s not you — it’s the economy.

But wait — you’re probably wondering where Connecticut lands on this list, right? According to the research, we rank 48th in the nation, meaning we supposedly have some of the best grocery prices in America. Which can only mean one thing: this study is broken. There’s just no way that’s true.