Grocery inflation rate was highest in Houston in 2023

Houston has borne the brunt of food inflation, according to a new study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Overall, food inflation increased by 5% in 2023 in the United States. In Houston, it was 7.8%. Boston was second at 7.0%, followed by Philadelphia (6.3%), Miami (5.8%), Detroit (5.0%), St. Louis (5.0%), and Dallas-Fort Worth ( 5.0%).

Grocery prices fell 1.3% in Anchorage, Alaska, and Honolulu, Hawaii, and also saw a modest 1.7% increase.

The USDA said several variables contribute to the cost difference in each city, including overhead costs like labor and rent and differences in consumers’ purchasing habits for specific foods.

Each metropolitan area’s inflation rate is calculated based on a representative set of foods unique to the area. For example, an area whose residents buy more foods with slower price inflation, such as fresh fruits and vegetables – which increased by 0.7% and 0.9% respectively – could experience lower prices. grocery shopping lower than areas where more cereals and baked goods are purchased.