Transitioning to a meatless diet can present challenges for some, but it's becoming easier to discover plant-based options in grocery stores and restaurants. Going vegan or vegetarian is a choice that millions of Americans have made and in recognition of this, October 1 has been designated as World Vegetarian Day and November 1 as World Vegan Day; WalletHub, a financial advisory website, has published a report on cities that are best for vegans and vegetarians.
According to the website, one of the concerns expressed by people regarding vegetarian or vegan diets is related to cost. However, considering that meat prices have increased compared to fruits and vegetables, some Americans may consider incorporating vegetarian or vegan meals into their diet a better option.
Certain U.S. cities offer several cost-effective choices for budget-conscious people who follow plant-based diets. To assess the best and most affordable cities for plant-based diets, WalletHub conducted an analysis of the 100 largest U.S. cities, examining 17 key indicators related to vegan and vegetarian friendliness. They assessed each city based on metrics such as the cost of groceries for vegetarians, the proportion of restaurants offering meatless options, and the availability of salad shops per capita. Each metric received a score on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 indicating the most favorable conditions for vegans and vegetarians.
Florida has three cities in the top 15.
Florida has three cities in the top 15 rankings for being the best for vegetarians and vegans. These cities include Orlando, holding the 3rd position, Miami, securing the 8th spot, and Tampa, placing 12th. Meanwhile, further down the list, we find Jacksonville at 69, St. Petersburg at 74, and Hialeah at 77.
Orlando and St. Petersburg garnered attention in the study for having the highest percentage of restaurants offering vegan menu options. Miami and Tampa, on the other hand, received recognition for their high presence of juice and smoothie bars and vegetable nurseries per capita. Miami was particularly spotlighted for having the most salad shops per capita among the cities analyzed.
The top 3
In the top three rankings, Portland, Oregon secures the leading position, followed by Los Angeles, California in second place, and Orlando at the third spot. On the lower end of the rankings, we find Greensboro, North Carolina ranked at 100, followed by Baltimore, Maryland at 99, and Chula Vista, California at 98.
Take a look at the complete study here, to see how other cities fared in their rankings.
