It is national, not one specific city.
The $111.46 Basket Index is a U.S. city average estimate based on national BLS item prices. Individual stores and regions can differ.
What the label means
BLS uses “U.S. city average” for national CPI and average-price series. The label does not mean one specific city; it means a broad national average across urban consumer price data. Basket Report’s national item pages and Basket Index use that national average.
What it does not mean
It is not a guaranteed shelf price, a store quote, or a promise that every shopper pays the same amount. A dozen eggs, a pound of tomatoes or a gallon of milk can cost more or less depending on store, brand, promotion, package size and region.
Why it is useful
Because the method is consistent over time, U.S. city average data is useful for tracking broad price movement. For geography, Basket Report also shows BLS regional averages where available, but BLS average-price grocery data does not support metro-level dollar baskets.
Frequently asked questions
Is U.S. city average the same as a city price?
No. It is a national BLS average label, not the price in one specific city.
Does BLS publish grocery prices by metro?
No. BLS average-price grocery data is available nationally and, when sample size supports it, for the four major regions.
Why use U.S. city average?
It is the broadest official dollar-price series and provides a consistent way to track national grocery price levels over time.
Sources and methodology
- BLS CPI Average Price Data factsheet
- BLS Consumer Price Index FAQ
- Basket Report methodology
- Basket Report data downloads
Reviewed May 2026 · Source data is independently analyzed by Basket Report and does not imply BLS endorsement.
Compare regional prices
See the four BLS census regions where grocery average prices are available.