The average cost of a dozen eggs in the U.S. is $2.09, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s a steep decline from the $4.82 consumers paid on average in January of 2023, when concerns about egg shortages sent the cost of eggs skyrocketing.
Why does knowing the cost of a dozen eggs today matter? If you’re trying to manage your household budget, then keeping food costs as low as possible might be a priority. Where you live can play a part in determining how much you’ll pay for a dozen eggs.
Check your score with SoFi Insights
Track your credit score for free. Sign up and get $10.*
What Is the Average Cost of a Dozen Eggs Today?
On average, Americans are paying $2.09 for a dozen Grade A large eggs, based on the BLS data. That price reflects the most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) data available as of August 2023. The CPI Consumer Price Index tracks prices for a basket of consumer goods and services over time.
In tracking egg price data, the CPI looks at average numbers by city, rather than state. Prices are based on the cost of a dozen eggs only and don’t take into account pricing for smaller or larger quantities of eggs sold, or pricing for different sizes of eggs. The CPI’s egg price data offers a snapshot of how egg prices have moved up or down over time. While prices increased sharply in the beginning of 2023, the average cost of a dozen eggs has since declined by more than half. Whether you live alone or are supporting a family, these types of fluctuations can impact your grocery budget.
It’s important to keep in mind that average reflects all prices from high to low, while median reflects the middle price. Median prices for eggs or other consumer goods and services may be higher than the average price.
💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.
Average Cost of Eggs by State for 2023
If you’re interested in what is the average cost of a dozen eggs by state, you might be surprised at just how much prices can vary from one location to the next. The following table breaks down the average cost of a dozen eggs in all 50 states, according to pricing data from Instacart collected in December 2022. Note that the figures below were captured during the egg shortage, when prices were high, and may not reflect the latest CPI price data.
| State | Cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $6.12 |
| Alaska | $4.61 |
| Arizona | $6.03 |
| Arkansa | $4.95 |
| California | $6.05 |
| Colorado | $5.77 |
| Connecticut | $5.54 |
| Delaware | $4.79 |
| District of Columbia | $4.58 |
| Florida | $6.36 |
| Georgia | $5.96 |
| Hawaii | $9.73 |
| Idaho | $5.09 |
| Illinois | $4.82 |
| Indiana | $4.33 |
| Iowa | $4.44 |
| Kansas | $4.41 |
| Kentucky | $4.51 |
| Louisiana | $5.59 |
| Maine | $5.84 |
| Maryland | $4.78 |
| Massachusetts | $5.20 |
| Michigan | $4.82 |
| Minnesota | $5.10 |
| Mississippi | $5.04 |
| Missouri | $4.24 |
| Montana | $5.46 |
| Nebraska | $4.25 |
| Nevada | $6.07 |
| New Hampshire | $4.91 |
| New Jersey | $5.05 |
| New Mexico | $5.65 |
| New York | $5.37 |
| North Carolina | $5.60 |
| North Dakota | $4.83 |
| Ohio | $4.39 |
| Oklahoma | $4.92 |
| Oregon | $4.81 |
| Pennsylvania | $4.52 |
| Rhode Island | $5.10 |
| South Carolina | $5.76 |
| South Dakota | $5.00 |
| Tennessee | $5.61 |
| Texas | $5.43 |
| Utah | $5.67 |
| Vermont | $5.70 |
| Virginia | $4.96 |
| Washington | $4.91 |
| West Virginia | $4.64 |
| Wisconsin | $4.78 |
| Wyoming | $5.84 |
| Source: Instacart | |
Where the Cost of Eggs Is Highest
As evidenced by the price data, some states are more expensive than others when it comes to what you’ll pay for a dozen eggs on average. In descending order, here are the 10 states that had the highest cost overall for a dozen eggs:
• Hawaii
• Florida
• Alabama
• Nevada
• California
• Arizona
• Georgia
• Wyoming
• Maine
• Colorado
In each of those states, shoppers paid $5.70 or more on average for a dozen eggs. Hawaii is the most expensive state to buy eggs, with the average cost of a dozen eggs nearing $10.
Where the Cost of Eggs Is Lowest
Where is the average cost of a dozen eggs the cheapest? Shoppers paid the least for a dozen eggs in these states:
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Indiana
• Ohio
• Kansas
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Pennsylvania
• Alaska
• West Virginia
In these states, the average cost of eggs was below $5 per dozen. As you can see, most of these states are located in the central, southern, and eastern U.S., though Alaska is the outlier. Assuming food costs are lower overall in these states, the average grocery budget for a family of 5 is likely to be less compared to the states where eggs are more expensive.
Why Did the Cost of Eggs Increase
The spike in egg prices that peaked in 2022 was largely fueled by scarcity. An outbreak of avian flu sent egg production into decline as more than 43 million laying hens were lost to the disease or depopulation efforts. With fewer eggs in supply but demand not easing, egg prices began to rise. Prices began to decline as egg inventory increased following the end of the outbreak.
Inflation can also be pointed to as a contributing factor to rising egg prices. In simple terms, inflation is a rise in prices for things consumers buy, like eggs and other household items. Knowing how to find the inflation rate and what’s considered to be a normal range matters for making the most of your money.
When inflation is higher, everything costs more and your money doesn’t go as far. A difference of a few cents in the price of a dozen eggs might not seem like much. But when everything else is going up in price too, and inflation doesn’t appear to be easing any time soon, it can take a serious toll on your wallet.
Recommended: Hourly Wage Inflation Calculator
When Will the Cost of Eggs Go Down
According to the CPI data, egg prices have declined from the peak they reached in January 2023. Again, that reflects the resumption of egg inventories to normal levels as well as an easing in the overall inflation rate. Of course, egg prices could rise again if there’s a repeat of the avian flu outbreak or if the decline in the inflation rate reverses course.
Monitoring prices for different goods and services can help you stay on top of your budget. Making and sticking to a spending and savings plan is one of the most basic steps for building wealth and increasing your net worth. Being able to measure your liquid net worth can give you an idea of how well you’re doing financially when it comes to accumulating assets and paying down debt.
Tips on How to Shop for Cheap Eggs
Shopping for eggs on the cheap can save you money and make it easier to live below your means. Living below your means benefits you in a few ways. For one thing, you may be less reliant on credit cards to cover expenses if you always have extra cash in your budget. And for another, it can make it easier to adapt to economic changes that can affect your budget and spending.
With that in mind, here are a few quick tips to help you pay less for eggs.
• Shop the farmer’s market. Buying eggs locally from a farmer’s market vs. a supermarket could save you money if you’re able to find lower prices. You may even be able to work out a barter or trade with a local farmer or neighbor who has a backyard flock, which could allow you to get eggs for free.
• Choose store brands. Store-brand products, including eggs, typically cost less than name-brand ones. If you’re not partial to any one egg brand, you may save a little money by choosing your local store’s brand.
• Buy eggs in bulk. Buying in bulk could save you money if you’re paying a lower unit price per egg. But the catch is that you have to be sure you’re actually going to use them all; otherwise, you could be wasting money.
• Use fewer eggs. A simple way to save money on eggs is to not consume as many. For instance, you might opt to get your daily protein from other sources or swap out your favorite baking recipes for ones that don’t incorporate eggs.
• Shop with coupons and cash back apps. Couponing may seem tedious but supermarkets make it easier by allowing you to load digital coupons to your store loyalty card. You can pair coupons with a cash back app that pays you a percentage back when you shop at partner grocery stores, which can add to your savings.
💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
The Takeaway
The average cost of a dozen eggs might not be something you think about on a day-to-day basis. But knowing how much you’ll pay for eggs matters when it’s time to go to the grocery store and do your weekly shopping. Keeping an eye on egg prices and implementing some different hacks for finding cheap eggs can help you keep your food budget in check.
Take control of your finances with the SoFi Insights money tracker app. Connect all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
FAQ
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 2023?
As of July 2023, the average cost of a dozen eggs was $2.09, according to Consumer Price Index data. Overall, egg prices were on the decline by mid-2023 after peaking at $4.82 on average per dozen at the beginning of the year.
What state has the most expensive eggs?
According to December 2022 pricing data from Instacart, Hawaii residents pay the most for a dozen eggs. On average, a dozen eggs there costs just under $10.
Do eggs last longer than sell by date?
Eggs can stay fresh past the sell by date, but there are limits on how long you’ll be able to use them. A simple way to tell if an egg is fresh is to place it in a glass or bowl of water. Eggs that float to the surface are no longer fresh, while ones that lie flat on their side are the freshest.
Photo credit: iStock/nd3000
SoFi’s Insights tool offers users the ability to connect both in-house accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score provided to you is a Vantage Score® based on TransUnion™ (the “Processing Agent”) data.
*Terms and conditions apply. (Must click on the link to be eligible.) This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the Rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed into SoFi accounts such as cash in SoFi Checking and Savings, SoFi credit cards or loan balances, and fractional shares subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
SORL0823002
