ARIZONA NEWS

Phoenix ranked as a top 10 city for vegans and vegetarians, six other Arizona cities make top 100

Oct 1, 2024, 4:15 AM

A vegetarian dish...

A study found Phoenix ranked in the top 10 of best cities for vegans and vegetarians. (Pexels Photo)

(Pexels Photo)

PHOENIX – Research into which U.S. cities were the best for vegans and vegetarians found Phoenix in the top 10.

The study from WalletHub looked at the 100 most populated cities and analyzed them on three key components: affordability, diversity and quality, and vegetarian lifestyle.

Arizona’s capital landed as the ninth-best city to live in for vegans and vegetarians, scoring 54.11 points out of 100.

Phoenix ranked as the 14th-best city in affordability, diversity, accessibility and quality. The city was on the bottom half when it came to vegetarian lifestyle, ranking 82nd.

In a category that looked at which cities had the best vegetable nurseries per capita, Phoenix was 4th out of 100 cities.

Other Arizona cities that were found to be vegan and vegetarian-friendly

In total, seven cities from the Grand Canyon State made the list. The cities were Phoenix (9th), Tucson (22nd), Scottsdale (26th), Mesa (35th), Chandler (51st), Gilbert (63rd) and Glendale (68th).

The study found Scottsdale to be one of the best in the state when it came to other categories. The city was tied for first in the percentage of restaurants serving vegetarian and vegan options.

Tucson was right behind Phoenix in cities with vegetable nurseries, coming out fifth best.

On the other end, Chandler was ranked as one of the worst cities in farmers markets and CSA programs per capita, ranking 95th.

Where did other cities rank on the list?

Coming out on top as the best city for vegans and vegetarians was Los Angeles which scored 61.26 points. Orlando (2nd), Portland (3rd), San Diego (4th) and Seattle (5th) rounded out the top five.

Los Angeles was celebrated for its abundance of farmers markets, vegetarian cooking classes and vegan meetups.

The bottom five cities were Anchorage (100th), Chula Vista (99th), San Bernardino (98th), Memphis (97th) and Baltimore (96th).

How did the study achieve its results?

To determine which cities were the best, researchers took the three categories of affordability, diversity and quality, and vegetarian lifestyle. Spread across 17 measurements, each city was graded on a 100-point scale. After scoring each metric, each city was given an overall score.

Here are the three categories and how scores were decided:

  • Affordability – 33.33 points
    • Cost of groceries for vegetarians – 11.11 points
    • Availability of affordable, highly rated restaurants serving vegan and vegetarian options – 11.11 points
    • Average meal cost – 11.11 points
  • Diversity, accessibility and quality – 33.33 points
    • Share of restaurants serving vegetarian options – 3.33 points
    • Share of restaurants serving vegan options – 3.33 points
    • Farmers markets & CSA programs per capita – 3.33 points
    • Certified organic farms per capita – 3.33 points
    • Juice & smoothie bars per capita – 3.33 points
    • Salad shops per capita – 3.33 points
    • Vegetable nurseries per capita – 3.33 points
    • Community gardens per capita – 3.33 points
    • Access to fresh vegetarian food – 3.33 points
    • Vegetarian cooking classes per capita – 3.33 points
  • Vegetarian lifestyle
    • Ranking on Grubhub’s list of cities most likely to order vegetarian or vegan – 8.33 points
    • Vegetable and fruit consumption – 8.33 points
    • Vegan & vegetarian meetups per capita – 8.33 points
    • Availability of vegan & vegetarian festivals – 8.33 points

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Trump Arizona rally...

Kevin Stone

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announces Arizona rally

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is joining the parade of national candidates to Arizona, his campaign announced Tuesday.

49 minutes ago

Housing discrimination ad campaign launched on Oct. 7...

Serena O'Sullivan

Kris Mayes launches ad campaign to teach Arizona renters when they’re being discriminated against

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is launching an ad campaign to raise awareness about housing discrimination and renters' rights.

2 hours ago

Ohio Sen. JD Vance, former President Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. ...

Kevin Stone

As early voting starts, presidential and VP candidates flocking to Arizona this week

As voters start receiving their early ballots, Arizona will be buzzing with visits from national candidates over the week.

6 hours ago

Wildlife eating Halloween pumpkin...

David Veenstra

Arizona wildlife officials warn about Halloween pumpkins attracting wildlife

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is warning residents that Halloween pumpkins attract wildlife.

6 hours ago

New LDS temple to be built in Queen Creek...

David Veenstra

New Latter-day Saints temple to be built in southeast Valley, will be 8th in Arizona

A new LDS temple will be built in Queen Creek, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced.

6 hours ago

(Photo courtesy of Press Coffee Roasters)...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix-based Press Coffee buys a Panama coffee estate

Phoenix-based Press Coffee Roasters has acquired a coffee estate in Panama, which will benefit its 13 standalone locations, company officials said.

15 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford joining Arizona Diamondbacks during playoff race

The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the thick of the 2024 MLB playoff race and Sanderson Ford is going along on the ride with them.

...

Sanderson Ford

3 storylines to get you revved up for the 2024 Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals training camp is just a couple weeks away starting on July 25, and Sanderson Ford is revved up and ready to go.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Beat the heat, ensure your AC unit is summer-ready

With temperatures starting to rise across the Valley, now is a great time to be sure your AC unit is ready to withstand the sweltering summer heat.

Phoenix ranked as a top 10 city for vegans and vegetarians, six other Arizona cities make top 100