Miami Favorite Publix Among Most Overpriced Grocery Stores in U.S.

Times are tough, and managing a healthy diet by cooking at home (or just trying to buy great snacks for your upcoming Fourth of July barbecue) is more costly than ever. Now, we have the stats to prove it.

According to a new report by The Takeout, three of Miami's most beloved grocery stores, Publix, Whole Foods, and The Fresh Market, have been named among the most overpriced grocery chains in the U.S. As food inflation and tariffs continue to squeeze budgets across the country, it's yet another reminder that your weekly grocery haul might be costing you way more than it should. Not to be a "Debbie Downer," but according to the Economic Research Service's May 2025 forecast, food prices will increase by 2.9 percent over the course of the year.

However, this isn't the first time New Times has documented supposed unfair prices and alleged price-gauging. Just this past March, a Florida woman sued Publix, alleging self-checkout scales inflate weights, leading to overcharges and misleading sale prices. Nevertheless, let's dive into whether prices are truly unfair at our local grocery stores.

Publix, Our Costly Hometown Hero

Let's start with our hometown hero: Publix. Beloved for its fried chicken tenders, delicious Pub Subs (these are the 7 Best Publix Pub Subs ranked), and free sugar cookies (when asked politely), Publix has a cult following that borders on religious. But behind the green logo and impeccable aisles filled with "BOGO" signs lies a growing frustration: the prices.

Reddit threads and local Miamians alike have exposed alleged markups, with the most recent being a $12 brick of Café Bustelo at Publix compared to the same coffee being sold at $7.44 at Walmart.

According to the Takeout's findings, prices at Publix are noticeably higher than Walmart or Lidl, yet customers keep coming back. Whether it's clever marketing or just customer loyalty, Publix seems to have cracked the marketing code. 

Whole Foods and The Fresh Market Are Also Pricier Than Most

Then there's Whole Foods, long dubbed "Whole Paycheck" for a reason. Despite Amazon's 2017 acquisition and a push to offer more affordable in-house brands, the chain still ranks as one of the most expensive grocery stores in the country. A 2023 Philadelphia Inquirer study confirmed it: Whole Foods' basket prices were consistently among the highest in the nation. That kombucha glow and reclaimed wood shelving? You're paying for the vibe, and then some.

Rounding out the list is the Fresh Market, a grocery store that practically dares you to leave without a $20 wedge of cheese and a $16 bouquet of beautiful hydrangeas. With stores planted firmly in Miami's more affluent neighborhoods, its model is clear: cater to shoppers who see grocery runs as a luxury lifestyle experience, not a necessity. According to its CEO, the store is "not looking to be a natural grocery store," but a "specialty store." Therefore, bargain hunters, look elsewhere.

With food prices forecasted to rise another 2.9 percent in 2025, it may be time to trade that chicken tender Pub Sub craving for a more budget-friendly sandwich from Aldi, Kroger, or a DIY one from Trader Joe's.