Where a Dozen Eggs Costs the Most—And Why Your State Might Be Getting Hit Hard

If you’ve noticed egg prices making your grocery bill heavier lately, you’re not alone. Throughout early 2025, egg prices have been on a wild ride across America, with shoppers in some states paying nearly double what others are charged for the same carton. Here’s what’s happening and how much is a dozen eggs costing where you live.

The Price Rollercoaster: A Quick Recap

The average price for a dozen eggs in the U.S. started 2025 at $5.81, climbed sharply to $7.52 by late January, and hit a shocking peak of $8.17 on March 3 before settling back down. By mid-March, prices had cooled considerably—dropping to $4.90 by March 13, which is surprisingly close to what Americans were paying a year earlier at $4.38.

But this national average masks a much more dramatic story when you look at individual states. Regional variations are enormous, with some states paying 98% more than others for identical products sitting on the shelf.

The Most Expensive Markets: Where Eggs Cost a Fortune

Hawaii stands alone as an outlier, with residents paying $9.73 for a dozen eggs—nearly 99% above the national average. This represents a 122% increase compared to March 2024 prices, making Hawaiian grocery shoppers the hardest hit by this inflation wave.

Florida and the Southwest aren’t far behind. Florida residents face $6.36 per dozen (30% above average), while California, Arizona, and Nevada all hover around $6.03 to $6.07 per carton, roughly 23-24% higher than the national benchmark. These regions have experienced price increases of 37-45% year-over-year, suggesting structural supply challenges specific to warmer states.

The upper price tier also includes Alabama ($6.12), Georgia ($5.96), and Colorado ($5.77)—states scattered across different regions, indicating that location alone doesn’t tell the full story.

The Bargain States: Where Eggs Remain Affordable

Meanwhile, shoppers in the Midwest and parts of the Northeast are getting better deals. Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas offer the cheapest eggs at $4.24-$4.41 per dozen—more than 13% below the national average. Indiana ($4.33), Ohio ($4.39), and Pennsylvania ($4.52) also keep prices relatively modest.

Notably, Alaska defies expectations, offering eggs at $4.61 despite geographic isolation. This suggests that local production or supply chain efficiency can overcome distance-based price premiums.

The Middle Ground: Most States Cluster Around $4.80-$5.60

Between the extremes, most Americans fall into a familiar range. New England states like Connecticut ($5.54) and Maine ($5.84) sit slightly above average, while Mid-Atlantic and Mountain states like Delaware ($4.79), Maryland ($4.78), and Wisconsin ($4.78) stay close to or slightly below the national price.

Year-over-year, nearly all states have seen price increases between 10-40%, suggesting this inflation was widespread rather than isolated to a few high-cost regions.

The Bigger Picture: Regional Patterns Emerge

Looking at the data holistically, how much is a dozen eggs really depends on where you shop. West Coast and Florida markets bear the brunt of inflation, while Midwest agricultural states enjoy relative price stability. This disparity likely reflects differences in egg production capacity, distribution logistics, and local market competition.

The takeaway? If you’re paying significantly more than $4.90, you’re in an overheated market—and you’re certainly not alone. Monitoring your local prices against these state benchmarks can help you spot when deals emerge or when it’s time to stock up.