Food Costs More Depending on Where You Live: Here’s the Food Inflation in Major U.S. Cities

Food inflation in the US remains above the general inflation rate.

It’s hitting the wallets of millions of Hispanic families hard.

Moderate increases are forecast, but with significant differences between cities.

Buying food in the US still costs more than it did a year ago. Although the pace of increases has slowed since the peaks of 2022, food inflation remains higher than overall inflation, according to the

For millions of Hispanic families, this means being more careful when grocery shopping and scrutinizing every dollar spent.

The issue is no longer just economic. It has become part of the political debate in major cities, with proposals aimed at controlling prices and easing the cost of living.

Food Cost Increases in Figures: The Details

Here’s the Food Inflation in Major US Cities – PHOTO: Canva

In May 2025, food prices were 2.9% higher than in May 2024, according to the Economic Research Service (ERS).

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reveals clear differences: grocery store food purchases rose 2.2%, while eating out became 3.8% more expensive.

The situation varies greatly by region, according to research conducted by SmartAsset: Honolulu leads with a food price increase of 5.3% between March 2024 and March 2025, due to its remote location and reliance on imports. Tampa, Florida, follows with 4.3%, reflecting a persistent history of price hikes.

On the other hand, Dallas (-0.1%) and Boston (-0.7%) were the only two of 12 large metropolitan areas where food prices fell. In Dallas, fruit and vegetable prices dropped 5.6%, easing household expenses.

Variations in Food Prices by City

PHOTO: Canva

Los Angeles saw eggs, meat, and poultry prices surge by 9.8%, while fruit and vegetable prices fell 1.8%.

New York recorded a 3.3% increase in groceries, with protein prices up 8.9%.

Denver and Washington, D.C., experienced more moderate increases (1.9%). Chicago was among the cities with milder hikes (1.5%), below the national average.

These differences shape the reality for millions of families: food inflation does not hit everywhere equally, nor does it affect all products in the same way.

How Food Inflation Affects Your Budget

PHOTO: Canva

For Hispanic families, rising food costs mean adjusting monthly budgets even more tightly. Although overall inflation has slowed, food remains an unavoidable expense.

The increase in prices for proteins, cereals, or baked goods has a greater impact on households with several members or children. Eating out has also become more expensive, affecting those who rely on this option due to work schedules.

What the Experts Say About Food Inflation

The Economic Research Service predicts that in 2025 food inflation will rise around 2.9% annually. “We expect prices to keep rising at a pace closer to the historical average,” the ERS notes in its forecast.

Outlook for Food Costs in 2025

Experts project food inflation to remain stable but persistent. The ERS estimates price increases this year of 2.2% for grocery purchases and 3.9% for restaurant meals.

In New York, the issue has already entered local politics: candidate Zohran Mamdani is proposing public grocery stores to lower prices—a controversial idea that underscores the central concern over the high cost of everyday living.