Americans spent a staggering $228 billion on alcohol last year, underscoring just how deeply alcoholic beverages are woven into the country’s social and economic fabric. But while large states naturally dominate total spending because of their size, a closer look at the data reveals a surprising picture of where individual adults are spending the most on beer, wine, and spirits.
A new analysis by SmartAsset, based on data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, examined alcohol expenditures across all 50 states. Rather than focusing solely on overall totals, the study calculated how much the average adult aged 21 and older spent on alcohol in each state over the course of the year.
The results challenge common assumptions. 
Alaska Tops the List for Per-Adult Spending
To find the highest per-capita alcohol spending, one has to look far north. Alaska ranked first in the nation, with the average adult spending roughly $1,250 on alcohol last year. Despite its relatively small population, total alcohol spending in the state still reached nearly $675 million.
Economists point out that Alaska’s high ranking is likely influenced by a mix of factors, including higher costs of goods, limited supply chains, and social patterns unique to remote communities. “Higher prices and fewer entertainment alternatives can significantly push up per-person spending,” one analyst noted.
Mountain and New England States Follow Closely
Not far behind Alaska was Wyoming, where adults spent an average of $1,238 on alcohol, even though the state’s total spending remained modest at about $544 million. Colorado ranked third, with per-adult spending exceeding $1,200, followed by Massachusetts, where the average adult spent nearly $1,186.
Rounding out the top ten were Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Oregon, Hawaii, Washington, and Montana—a mix of New England, Western, and Pacific states that consistently rank high for alcohol access, tourism, or cultural consumption patterns.
“These rankings highlight that heavy spending isn’t just about nightlife hubs or big cities,” the SmartAsset analysis noted. “Smaller states with strong drinking cultures or higher prices can easily outpace larger ones on a per-person basis.”
Big States Dominate Total Spending
When it comes to total dollars spent, however, population size tells a very different story. California led the nation by a wide margin, with alcohol sales approaching $29.5 billion last year. Texas followed with roughly $21.7 billion, while Florida came in at about $17.3 billion. New York rounded out the top four with approximately $12 billion in alcohol spending.
These figures reflect sheer scale rather than individual behavior. Even though California ranked only mid-pack for per-adult spending, its massive population ensures it remains the country’s largest alcohol market.
States With the Lowest Overall Spending
At the opposite end of the spectrum, several sparsely populated states recorded the lowest total alcohol expenditures. North Dakota spent the least overall, at just $478 million, followed by Vermont, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Interestingly, some of these states still ranked relatively high in per-adult spending, reinforcing the idea that total spending and individual consumption often tell very different stories.
What the Numbers Suggest
Experts say the findings highlight broader trends about lifestyle, pricing, and access. High per-adult spending does not necessarily mean higher consumption—it may also reflect higher alcohol prices, tourism-driven demand, or limited alternatives for entertainment.
At the same time, the sheer scale of nationwide spending—$228 billion in a single year—raises ongoing questions about public health, regulation, and long-term social costs. “Alcohol remains one of the most normalized consumer expenses in the U.S.,” one economist observed. “But these numbers show just how significant that spending really is.”
As policymakers and health experts continue to debate alcohol’s impact, the data makes one thing clear: whether measured by population or by individual wallets, Americans are spending more on alcohol than ever—and where they spend the most may not be where you expect.
