Fifa has regularly talked up the demand for tickets, with Fifa president Gianni Infantino defending the cost by saying they reflect the public’s “absolutely crazy” appetite for the summer tournament.
But as of Wednesday, there were face-value tickets available for 86 of the 104 matches and all but 10 of the group-stage matches, for which the fixtures have long been known.
The attorneys general in particular highlighted the cost of tickets for eight matches, including the final, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
“Being honest about ticket sales is not complicated,” Davenport said. “It’s an honour to host the World Cup but the event is not an invitation to exploit our residents and visitors.”
James said local residents “deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets”.
“No-one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive,” James added.
Levine said supporters should expect “transparency and fairness” when buying tickets for the World Cup.
“Reports of Fifa conduct in violation of the city’s consumer protection law, including misleading fans about seat locations and artificially inflating prices, are deeply troubling,” Levine said.
The investigation comes after California attorney general Rob Bonta sent a letter to Fifa, external raising concerns about “potentially misleading ticketing practices” earlier this month.
Local organisers have been at loggerheads with Fifa for the past few months over high costs.
New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill previously criticised Fifa’s refusal to subsidise transport at the event and insisted local taxpayers would not foot the bill.
After initially announcing a train ticket would cost $150 (£111), earlier this month NJ Transit backtracked and reduced the fare to $98 (£73).
Rail journeys from Penn Station in Manhattan to the venue – a distance of about 18 miles – are normally $12.90 (£9.50) for a return fare.
Fifa has been approached for comment.
