Instacart demand in Los Angeles is higher than ever — thanks to busy households, traffic-heavy commutes, and customers who rely on fast grocery delivery. For delivery drivers, knowing which stores generate the most orders can significantly boost daily earnings.
Whether you’re full-time or part-time, having a reliable, fuel-efficient economy rental makes it easier to accept more batches without worrying about gas costs or mileage limits. At LA Elite Rentals, we provide cheap rental cars for rideshare and delivery drivers, perfect for tackling LA’s top Instacart hotspots.
Below are the top grocery stores in Los Angeles with consistently high Instacart demand, plus tips to maximize your income.
1. Costco
High-volume orders • Bigger payouts • Peak weekends
Costco is one of the most in-demand Instacart stores because customers want bulk groceries delivered — fast.
Orders often include high earnings and heavy-tip potential.
Why drivers love it:
High batch pay
Lots of weekend and evening demand
Customers buy in bulk = higher earnings
Best Costco locations for Instacart in LA:
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Costco Inglewood
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Costco Los Feliz
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Costco Van Nuys
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Costco Burbank
2. Ralphs
Steady orders all day • High Instacart frequency
Ralphs is one of the most reliable grocery stores for Instacart batches because customers shop here for everyday needs — produce, snacks, household items, and essentials.
Best Ralphs locations:
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Koreatown
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Downtown LA
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Culver City
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North Hollywood
Why drivers choose Ralphs orders:
Fast shops
Great for back-to-back batches
Close to residential neighborhoods
3. Whole Foods Market
High-tipping customers • High-quality orders
Whole Foods customers tend to tip well, making these orders some of the most profitable for LA drivers. Instacart demand is highest during late afternoons, weekends, and evenings.
Best Whole Foods locations:
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West Hollywood
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Pasadena
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Playa Vista
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Sherman Oaks
4. Sprouts Farmers Market
Fast shops • Light orders • High demand
Sprouts batches are easy, quick, and often close-distance deliveries. If you want faster turnover instead of long Costco shops, Sprouts is a favorite among LA Instacart drivers.
High-demand Sprouts locations:
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Burbank
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Glendale
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Culver City
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Hawthorne
5. Vons
Neighborhood-based demand • Good weekday volume
With stores spread across residential areas, Vons provides a steady stream of Instacart batches. They’re great for drivers who want predictable income.
Top Vons locations:
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Venice Blvd
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Silver Lake
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Manhattan Beach
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Altadena
6. Smart & Final
Bulk items • Consistent customer base
Smart & Final attracts small business owners, restaurants, and families — meaning large basket sizes and higher-earning batches.
Best Smart & Final locations:
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Boyle Heights
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Long Beach
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Northridge
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West Adams
🛒 7. Target (with groceries)
High Instacart + Shipt crossover demand
Targets with grocery sections generate tons of orders, especially for families and young professionals who need fast delivery.
Hot Target locations for Instacart:
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Culver City
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Eagle Rock Plaza
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Hollywood
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Burbank Empire Center
Why Your Car Matters for Instacart Earnings
Delivery drivers in LA need a reliable vehicle with:
Fuel efficiency
Comfortable interior for long hours
Unlimited miles
No maintenance downtime
A poor rental choice can cut into your Instacart earnings fast — especially with LA traffic and long-distance deliveries.
That’s why LA Elite Rentals offers:
Cheap rental cars for rideshare and delivery drivers
Unlimited miles included
Maintenance and insurance covered
Economy models perfect for Instacart, Doordash, Uber Eats & more
Our rentals help drivers earn more by eliminating surprise fees and offering reliable, ready-to-drive vehicles.
Tips to Maximize Instacart Earnings in LA
Boost your daily income with these proven strategies:
Work peak hours (4–8 PM & weekends)
Stay near the grocery stores listed above
Accept double batches when efficient
Use an economy car to save on fuel
Position near wealthy neighborhoods for better tips
Final Thoughts
Knowing which grocery stores have the highest Instacart demand in LA can help you plan smarter and earn more. Pair that with a cheap, reliable economy rental from LA Elite Rentals, and you’ll maximize every hour on the road.
