Why are apples in WA more expensive than in many other states?

[thatguy950]

Originally Posted by franklin42

Really? We moved from the Big Island to the Seattle area in late 2015 and have found prices across the board to be noticeably cheaper in the Seattle area. A few items are comparable but for the most part our grocery bill is almost cut in half shopping here. I have found that "nicer" restaurants are comparable to the BI but most everything else is noticeably cheaper. Maybe the BI is different than Honolulu? Either way we are very happy. I am on the BI for work till mid May. If I think about it, I will compare a trip to the grocery store in Seattle to a trip in Waimea. For SAG.

Perhaps, I mean grocery prices in Honolulu are definitely higher, but on taxable food things in Seattle there's definitely a much closer gap, but probably because I buy 99% of stuff at Costco. But yes I donfind resturants to be noticeably more expensive in Seattle vs Oahu, even junk like takeout phad thai there's a noticeable difference in price, probably due to the $15 min. wage law, tax, and higher real estate prices

[Xanathos]

Originally Posted by exit82

I don't believe that for a second- have you ever been to the farmers market in West Seattle? the prices are RIDICULOUS and there is no "middlemen"

And you believe that the growers aren't aware of what grocery stores are charging for the same product, and pricing accordingly in the instance of a farmer's market where the market itself is taking a fee to let you set up a booth and then a percentage of your sales?

Come now....it's patently obvious what I was referring to was actually going TO the farm or their independent little stand and getting what you need. $6 a pound for Rainier cherries at Freddy's, $5 at a farmer's market in some gentrified area - $2 a bushel if you get it from some folding table with a hand-painted sign alongside the road.

[homesinseattle]

Farmers markets are your best bet. Our favorite is Tiny's (who is not so tiny anymore) Organic from the Wenatchee area, excellent fruit.

[509]

Originally Posted by thatguy950

If you want a real shocker try pricing new or used cars in Seattle vs. the SW, the "Seattle premium" really goes overboard there...

Just drive over to Kellog and buy it there!!

Moses Lake is also pretty good.

[notnamed]

I haven't noticed a difference in Fred Meyer's apple prices vs Kroger's back in Ohio.

But yeah better to go get them direct from a local orchard in season.

[jakebarnes]

I've found that farmers markets tend to be specialty so they are more expensive. I've also noticed that the apples one can buy here aren't as good unless you buy expensive apples. The cheaper apples here are not as tasty as cheaper apples on the East Coast/Midwest. They are more mealy and don't have as good of mouth feel (personal preference obviously) A friend of mine who's a native thinks it's because all the really good apples get exported to Asia, so the lesser quality ones stay here. Seems plausible but I have no idea if it's true.

[noah]

I have to agree. I grew up in the northwest but spent nearly 8 years in Atlanta, hardly a part of the country you associate with good agriculture but if you went to the right stores, the quality and especially prices is amazing compared to the choices here. Many really care about their food quality here but perhaps since they are willing to pay $$$ for it the competition for high quality decently priced food is lacking. Choices aren't terrible by any means but you notice higher prices on just about everything and less choices. Our favorite store back in Atlanta was Your Dekalb Farmers Market which is soon to be the biggest single location grocery store in the country and have yet to find anything that compares. Some stores like PCC or Central Market have some of the same feel but much higher prices. None of them have the selection (such as 15 types of apples, produce you've never heard of), free range meats etc. But thats just part of moving to different regions and discovering new places.

I will say that Whole foods is under a lot of pressure nationally with the likes of Costco and Aldi's selling tons of organics. Hopefully Aldi's eventually makes their way here as they just hit southern California with lots of stores.

[usernametaken]

Thanks for all the replies. I should have posted these charts in my original post (more recent years did not have decent charts when I searched google images):