Americans spend very different amounts on alcohol depending on where they live. New data from SmartAsset shows Alaska ranks first in per-capita alcohol spending, while Utah spends the least.
In 2024, adults in Alaska spent an average of $1,249.76 on alcohol. Wyoming and Colorado followed closely, each above $1,200. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire also ranked in the top ten.
Experts link Alaska’s high spending to isolation, harsh weather, and higher prices caused by transportation costs. Limited access to addiction services may also play a role.
The national average was $897.57 per adult.
At the other end of the list, Utah residents spent just $606.42 on alcohol. Religious norms and strict alcohol laws help keep consumption low. Other states with low spending include West Virginia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.
Regional trends show higher spending in the West and Northeast, while many Southern and Midwestern states report lower averages.
Full Ranking: Alcohol Spending Per Adult (2024)
- Alaska – $1,249.76
- Wyoming – $1,237.84
- Colorado – $1,202.45
- Massachusetts – $1,185.54
- Rhode Island – $1,155.82
- New Hampshire – $1,119.73
- Oregon – $1,104.87
- Hawaii – $1,095.34
- Washington – $1,070.99
- Montana – $1,051.01
- Vermont – $1,039.04
- New Jersey – $1,037.31
- Virginia – $1,019.08
- California – $1,001.37
- New Mexico – $994.06
- Maine – $985.08
- Texas – $972.04
- Florida – $959.37
- Minnesota – $954.14
- Nevada – $949.91
- North Carolina – $943.46
- Georgia – $943.08
- Arizona – $881.96
- Connecticut – $875.41
- South Carolina – $838.57
- Missouri – $835.55
- Arkansas – $834.54
- Maryland – $825.88
- North Dakota – $822.97
- Louisiana – $805.73
- Michigan – $805.06
- South Dakota – $804.83
- New York – $804.53
- Iowa – $801.79
- Delaware – $800.65
- Kansas – $800.42
- Nebraska – $795.17
- Wisconsin – $793.37
- Pennsylvania – $780.53
- Illinois – $774.28
- Alabama – $754.48
- Indiana – $750.66
- Kentucky – $736.76
- Idaho – $731.29
- Ohio – $704.12
- Tennessee – $693.70
- Oklahoma – $690.82
- Mississippi – $641.12
- West Virginia – $616.81
- Utah – $606.42
State Average: $897.57
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