Here’s How Much Grocery Prices Have Increased for Retirees in Every State
Food spending is eating at Americans’ incomes. According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. consumers spent 11.4% of their disposable personal income on food in 1991. Similar spending percentages are resurfacing more than three decades later with 11.3% of disposable consumer income being spent on food in 2022. As food prices continue to climb amid record inflation, retirees in particular are feeling the cost pinch.
How much more does a retiree pay for groceries now than they did a decade ago? To find out, GOBankingRates reviewed the 2013 and 2023 cost-of-living index for groceries to find the average national grocery expenditure cost for retired individuals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Inflation Calculator was then used to calculate what 2023 prices should look like based on the average groceries expenditures in 2013, which were then compared to actual 2023 prices for the difference.
In alphabetical order of U.S. states, this is how much grocery prices have gone up for retirees in the last decade.
View More: 8 Things You Must Buy at Aldi While on a Retirement Budget
Read More: One Smart Way To Grow Your Retirement Savings in 2024
Alabama
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,335.33
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,333.12
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $7,830.20
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $3,497.08
See More: 7 Bills You Never Have To Pay When You Retire
Be Aware: Social Security: What Biden’s Updated Payment Plan Means for Your Money
Alaska
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,925.10
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $5,099.32
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $13,702.85
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $8,603.53
Read Next: 8 Signs You’ll Retire Wealthy
Arizona
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,358.66
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,363.43
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $13,881.83
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $9,518.40
Arkansas
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,262.03
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,237.89
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $8,344.76
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,106.87
That’s Interesting: 3 Ways Upper Middle Class Retirees Stay Rich in Retirement
California
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,465.28
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,501.94
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $22,237.77
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $17,735.83
Colorado
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,278.69
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,259.53
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $12,707.30
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $8,447.77
Check Out: 7 Ways Shopping at Costco Helps Retirees Stick to a Budget
Connecticut
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $4,105.02
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $5,333.07
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $13,714.04
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $8,380.97
Delaware
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,748.50
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,869.89
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $10,850.42
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $5,980.53
Find Out: Social Security: Can Debt Collectors Garnish Your SSI Payments?
District of Columbia (DC)
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,165.40
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,112.35
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $26,589.12
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $22,476.77
Florida
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,315.34
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,307.15
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $11,890.72
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $7,583.57
Try This: Retired but Want To Work? Try These 10 Low-Stress Jobs for Seniors
Georgia
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,228.71
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,194.60
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $8,747.45
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,552.85
Hawaii
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $4,111.69
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $5,341.73
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $35,023.37
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $29,681.64
Explore More: Retirement Living: These 3 States Are Too Expensive — Try These 3 Instead
Idaho
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,132.08
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,069.07
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $10,738.56
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $6,669.49
Illinois
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,222.04
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,185.94
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $8,926.43
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,740.49
For You: 8 Ways Baby Boomers Become Poor in Retirement
Indiana
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,108.76
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,038.77
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $8,478.99
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,440.22
Iowa
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,155.40
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,099.36
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $8,288.83
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,189.47
Trending Now: Experts: 6 Dumb Things People Do With Their Retirement Accounts After Retiring
Kansas
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,292.02
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,276.85
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $7,539.36
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $3,262.51
Kentucky
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,148.74
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,090.71
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $8,244.08
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,153.37
See Next: 10 Items From the 1980s That Are Worth a Lot of Money
Louisiana
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,235.37
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,203.26
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $9,127.78
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,924.52
Maine
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,825.14
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,969.46
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $13,132.36
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $8,162.90
Discover More: 9 Most Valuable American Quarters in Circulation
Maryland
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,142.08
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,082.06
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $16,376.30
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $12,294.24
Massachusetts
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,865.12
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $5,021.40
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $24,441.41
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $19,420.01
Check Out: 10 Best Cheap Gym Memberships: Break a Sweat but Not Your Budget
Michigan
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,192.06
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,146.99
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $8,624.41
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,477.42
Minnesota
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,478.61
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,519.26
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $9,183.71
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,664.45
Explore Next: 10 of the Most Valuable Pennies
Mississippi
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,175.40
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,125.34
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $7,930.87
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $3,805.53
Missouri
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,282.02
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,263.86
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $8,613.22
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,349.36
Be Aware: Lincoln Pennies With Dime Reverse Sides Are So Rare They’ll Fetch Upwards of $100K
Montana
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,292.02
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,276.85
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $11,611.07
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $7,334.22
Nebraska
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,082.10
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,004.13
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $8,792.20
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,788.07
Learn More: You Can Get These 3 Debts Canceled Forever
Nevada
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,272.02
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,250.87
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $12,013.76
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $7,762.89
New Hampshire
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $4,018.39
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $5,220.52
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $12,248.67
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $7,028.15
Find Out: How Much Is Spotify Premium and Can You Get a Discount?
New Jersey
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,791.82
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,926.17
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $15,190.59
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $10,264.42
New Mexico
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,108.76
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,038.77
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $9,765.38
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $5,726.61
Read More: 7 Key Signs You’ve Reached Financial Freedom
New York
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,815.14
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,956.47
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $19,687.36
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $14,730.89
North Carolina
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,285.35
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,268.19
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $10,089.77
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $5,821.58
That’s Interesting: How Much Money Do Americans Have in Their Bank Accounts in 2024?
North Dakota
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,471.94
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,510.60
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $9,329.12
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,818.52
Ohio
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,188.72
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,142.65
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $9,083.03
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,940.38
Check Out: 5 Items From the 1970s That Are Worth a Lot of Money
Oklahoma
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,142.08
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,082.06
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $7,662.41
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $3,580.35
Oregon
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,421.96
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,445.67
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $15,246.52
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $10,800.85
Trending Now: I’m Part of the Upper Middle Class: Here’s What My Finances Look Like
Pennsylvania
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,395.31
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,411.04
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $9,161.33
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,750.29
Rhode Island
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $4,201.65
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $5,458.61
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $13,065.25
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $7,606.64
For You: 13 Cheap Cryptocurrencies With the Highest Potential Upside for You
South Carolina
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,355.32
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,359.09
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $9,675.89
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $5,316.80
South Dakota
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,358.66
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,363.43
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $9,743.01
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $5,379.58
Read Next: I’m a Self-Made Millionaire: 5 Stocks You Shouldn’t Sell
Tennessee
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,252.03
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,224.90
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $9,217.26
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,992.36
Texas
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,225.38
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,190.28
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $9,295.57
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $5,105.29
Find Out: If You Had Invested $10K in GameStop and AMC in 2021, Here’s How Much You’d Have Today
Utah
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,322.00
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,315.80
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $12,382.90
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $8,067.10
Vermont
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,565.24
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,631.81
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $14,888.57
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $10,256.76
That’s Interesting: I’m a Financial Advisor: I’d Invest My First $5,000 in These 6 Stocks
Virginia
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,305.34
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,294.16
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $11,823.60
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $7,529.44
Washington
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,388.64
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,402.38
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $14,396.38
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $9,994.00
Discover Next: 10 Valuable Stocks That Could Be the Next Apple or Amazon
West Virginia
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,248.70
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,220.57
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $7,483.43
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $3,262.86
Wisconsin
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,305.34
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,294.16
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $9,474.54
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $5,180.38
Check Out: 8 Best Cryptocurrencies To Invest In for 2024
Wyoming
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2013 $): $3,315.34
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2013 (using 2023 $): $4,307.15
Grocery cost for 65+ in 2023 (using 2023 $): $8,948.80
Difference in 2023 grocery costs from 2013 grocery cost (in 2023 $): $4,641.65
Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed the change in cost of groceries for retired residents for the last decade. First GOBankingRates found the 2023 and the 2013 cost of living index for groceries as sourced from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. GOBankingRates found the average national expenditure cost for groceries as defined as “Food-at-Home ” from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey for retired individuals for 2013 as well as 2023. The annual groceries cost of living was calculated and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Inflation Calculator the average groceries expenditure cost in 2013 can be calculated to show 2023 prices. These were then compared to the actual 2023 prices to find the difference in groceries prices for retired residents over the last decade. All data was collected and up to date as of March 11, 2024.
More From GOBankingRates
This is One of the Best Ways to Boost Your Retirement Savings in 2024
6 Things You Should Never Do With Your Tax Refund (Do This Instead)
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Here’s How Much Grocery Prices Have Increased for Retirees in Every State
