Portland, Oregon, has been ranked the best US city for vegans and vegetarians in 2025, according to a new analysis by WalletHub. The city was evaluated across multiple factors, including the availability of plant-based food options, affordability, and the overall lifestyle environment for individuals following vegan or vegetarian diets.
The WalletHub ranking examined 100 of the largest US cities using 17 key metrics, including the cost of groceries for vegetarians, the number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants, the prevalence of community gardens, and the availability of food-related events.
A city that loves veggies
Portland scored high in a variety of categories, particularly in terms of dining options. It boasts the second-highest number of affordable restaurants offering vegan and vegetarian meals with favorable ratings. The city also stands out for its abundant organic farms, farmers’ markets, and vegetable nurseries, contributing to its status as a plant-based food hub. Additionally, Portland residents are known for their strong adherence to plant-based diets, with a much higher than average consumption of vegetables.
Los Angeles, California, secured the second spot, driven by its wide variety of vegan and vegetarian dining choices and substantial fresh produce availability. The city also benefits from a high number of vegetarian cooking classes, vegan meetups, and plant-based food festivals, making it a central location for those seeking to adopt a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
Austin, Texas, ranked third, recognized for its relatively low prices on plant-based groceries, including fruits, vegetables, and other vegetarian staples. Austin is home to many community gardens, affordable vegetarian restaurants, and hosts annual events such as Texas VegFest, which further contribute to its standing.
Other cities in the race
Other cities that placed highly include San Francisco, Oakland, and Phoenix. These cities also ranked well for their restaurant offerings, access to fresh produce, and local festivals catering to the vegetarian and vegan communities.
On the other end of the spectrum, cities like Anchorage, Alaska, and Laredo, Texas, were ranked the least favorable for those adhering to plant-based diets. In particular, Laredo has a notably low percentage of restaurants serving vegetarian meals, while Anchorage faces high grocery costs for vegetarian-friendly foods.
Affordable vegan living in the south
The report also identified affordability as a key consideration for many individuals considering a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Cities like Oklahoma City and San Antonio were noted for having the lowest grocery costs for plant-based foods, making these cities particularly appealing for budget-conscious consumers.
Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, explained, “While vegetarians and vegans are still a relatively small share of the population, businesses are recognizing their impact on their market. Just look at businesses like McDonald’s and Burger King incorporating Beyond Meat and Impossible burgers into their menus, for example. With meat prices rising significantly faster than vegetable prices, too, we may see a lot more people taking a foray into a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle in the near future.”
