USA - In a new WalletHub report ranking 100 U.S. metro areas by how much residents spend on groceries relative to their income, the Nashville-Murfreesboro area landed squarely in the middle—number 53. That means locals aren’t facing the worst grocery burdens in the country, but they’re far from escaping the pinch.

The study analyzed the prices of 26 everyday grocery items—from bananas to ground beef—and compared those costs to each city’s median household income. The goal? To spotlight where food is least affordable for Americans. And while Middle Tennessee didn’t top the list, the findings still hit home for many families trying to stretch their dollars.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo explained that high grocery spending often reflects a double whammy: low incomes paired with high prices. “Shoppers should take advantage of sales and coupons, buy generic items and buy in bulk if possible,” Lupo advised. “It’s also a good idea to use a credit card that gives a good amount of rewards on grocery purchases and pay it off in full each month.”

Detroit took the top spot for grocery burden, with residents spending nearly 3.8% of their income on food—the highest percentage in the country. On the flip side, Fremont, California, saw the lowest grocery spending relative to income, with residents shelling out less than 1%.

For Murfreesboro-area shoppers, the message is clear: budgeting matters. Experts recommend putting groceries at the top of your monthly budget and trimming back on pricey extras. Whether it’s switching to store brands, hunting for clearance items, or joining loyalty programs, small changes can add up.

And while the Nashville-Murfreesboro metro may not be in crisis mode, the middle of the pack still means many families are feeling the squeeze. With food prices continuing to fluctuate, knowing how to shop smart is more important than ever.

To see the total report, CLICK HERE.