North Dakota Ranks Near the Top for Cheap Groceries

North Dakota shoppers tend to get quite the sticker shock at checkout, but we are actually paying less for groceries than in most other states. Visual Capitalist ranks North Dakota as the 4th-cheapest state in the country for groceries in 2026.

This information may make you think, "Oh, what the frick?!" Because that can't be true. The data came from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center's grocery cost index, which gives North Dakota a score of 94.1. This means that groceries here are about 5.9% cheaper than the national average. Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma are the only cheaper states.

(Also Read: Eighth North Dakota Qdoba Location Opening Soon)

Ready for a shock? When you compare the cost of groceries for North Dakotans to the most expensive states in the country, it's pretty outrageous. Hawaii residents are paying the most - 36.3% above the national average, and Alaskans are paying 26.6 above the average. Why are they paying so much more? -This is because these states rely heavily on shipping food long distances (by barge, plane, or ship).

While North Dakota grocery prices don't always feel cheap, we certainly are a long way from paying $8 to $10 for a gallon of milk. So, next time your grocery bill feels a bit painful, just remember it could be much worse.

So whether you're shopping at Family Fare, Cash Wise, or Walmart, be happy you're not paying Hawaii prices.