America’s Cheapest and Most Expensive Eggs, Ranked by City

What The Numbers Say

We gathered data across the U.S., using a variety of sources. The prices we have used are based on a combination of data provided by the Bureau of Labour Statistics, plus other sources such as egg price data from WorldPopulationReview, and CostOfLiving.

Because there is a delay in reported prices in data in different locations, and the prices on the ground, the exact prices may be higher on the ground than what the data says. This was checked against supermarket prices online, and we found that while the in-store prices are higher than the data, the cities that are highlighted as the most expensive or the cheapest closely reflect reality.

10 Most Expensive Cities

10 Cheapest Cities

Why Egg Costs Vary Across The U.S.

Bird Flu Outbreak

The ongoing bird flu outbreak remains the number one cause of the increased egg prices, with over 158 million birds culled, the largest percentage of this being egg-laying hens. The impact of this is felt differently nationwide, one-third of egg production in The U.S. comes from Iowa, Ohio, and Indiana.

Conversely, some might expect these states would be worst-hit in the event of an egg shortage. It is the opposite, with Midwestern cities such as Cincinnati and Cleveland having among the lowest egg prices in the U.S. Regions with fewer poultry farms that rely on other states for their egg supply see the largest rises in prices. Combined with increased transportation costs compared to those with larger local supply, cities like Honolulu in Hawaii face the highest egg prices in the U.S.

There may be some respite coming. David Anderson, professor of economics and business at Centre College in Danville, said “If the bird flu outbreak does not become significantly worse, I expect that egg prices will take a downward path.”

Market Manipulation

The U.S. Justice Department recently opened an investigation as to whether egg suppliers are artificially restricting supply. Farm Action, argues that dominant suppliers such as Cal-Maine Foods are increasing prices by more than what is justified by supply losses.

David Anderson added “The well-publicized egg shortages make consumers more tolerant of higher prices. This increased willingness to pay is effectively an increase in demand that allows producers to raise prices.”

Demand and Higher Costs

Demand for eggs remains strong, despite the rise in prices. This is normal in the build-up towards easter. In addition, people are increasingly stocking up on eggs if they can, in response to rising prices.

Brian Earnest, an analyst at CoBank commented “As consumers continue to stock up on eggs, supplies at the store level will remain tight, and with Easter right around the corner, that could prolong the tighter supplies.”

Sources and Methodology

Price data was based on an average of egg prices reported by WorldPopulationReview and CostOfLiving, as mentioned, data usually lags behind what is reported on the ground, particularly during periods when the prices are changing rapidly.

Research on egg price increases, such as the economics and conditions behind it, including expert insights, was conducted from reputable sources.

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