So… ever catch yourself thinking, “How much am I even spending eating out?” If you’re like me, those couple of quick takeout meals or spontaneous date nights add up faster than you’d guess. Turns out, the average eating out cost per month for 2 is around $373. Yep, it’s no small chunk from your budget! But here’s the good news—knowing this number is the first step to taking control. Let me walk you through how these costs sneak up, what you can do about it, and why sometimes, cutting back can still taste amazing.
Hidden Food Costs
Why Eating Out Feels “Cheap”—But Isn’t
Have you ever thought, “just grabbing a bite out won’t cost much”? I’ve been there. That quick lunch or casual dinner feels harmless at the moment, but trust me, those dollars stack. In fact, Americans spend roughly $166 per person monthly on dining out—that’s over $330 for two. Add tips, drinks, maybe a dessert… and suddenly you’re over $400 without realizing it.
And it’s not just the meal cost. Delivery apps jack prices way up—you’re paying fees for convenience and, well, you’re basically tipping the whole supply chain. Crazy, right? Research on spending habits shows delivery can add close to 90% more than ordering directly from the restaurant. So that “easy” dinner? It’s a budget buster.
Meal Type Matters
Interesting thing: Dinner tends to be the priciest meal out, about $28 per person on average, whereas lunch is more common but a bit cheaper. So, if you find yourself eating out mostly dinner, your costs will be higher over time.
| Meal | Average Cost Per Person | Percentage Who Spend This Much |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast/Brunch | $10–$20 | 30% |
| Lunch | $11–$20 | 53% |
| Dinner | ~$28 | 50% |
The Real Numbers
Couples vs. Others
Here’s where it gets interesting. The average eating out cost per month for 2 hovers around $373. Compare that with a single person, who spends about $222, or a family of three, which spends more but benefits from sharing dishes and bulk orders. You can dive into details for average eating out cost per month for 1 person or the average eating out cost per month family of 3 to see how your household stacks up.
For example, families of four might spend about $500 monthly eating out, which seems high, but when broken down per person, it’s a bit more manageable. Here’s a handy wrap-up you might like:
| Household Size | Avg Monthly Eating Out Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $222 |
| 2 People (Couples) | $373 |
| 3 People | See linked data |
| 4 People | $500+ |
To put it in perspective, if you’re budgeting for a couple, that $373 is kind of a baseline—but it’s also the perfect spot to start saving.
Why Home Cooking Wins
Cost Comparison: Eating Out vs. Cooking In
Okay, imagine this: a meal at an average inexpensive restaurant costs about $16.28 per person. Now, compare that to cooking at home—which runs about $4.23 per person for the same meal. That’s nearly a 285% difference!
Serious savings, right? When you think annualized, that’s over $13,000 more spent on eating out versus eating in. For a couple, that difference could be your emergency fund, a vacation, or a nice chunk toward paying down debt.
Example Dinner: Pasta Night
Out: $35–$40 for two, including drinks.
Home: $6–$8 for two, plus leftovers.
Those weekends with multiple pizza nights or frequent takeout? They add up fast and quietly drain your wallet.
Making the Switch Easier
I won’t lie—getting out of the “let’s just order dinner” mindset is tough. But what helped me was simple recipes that felt less like work and more like fun (hello, lazy stir-fries). Plus, a little meal prep on Sunday makes weeknight cooking smooth as butter.
And if you want ideas that fit your budget, check out this restaurant budget example—some clever tricks to keep spending on food manageable without feeling deprived.
Nudging Your Budget
Tracking Your Food Spending
Here’s a quick question: When was the last time you calculated your actual food spending? Including those cheeky coffee runs, snacks, or quick bites?
Most of us don’t track it closely, but when you do, surprises pop up. Like my partner and me, discovering that just logging expenses showed we were spending about $50 a week on extras—basically hidden eating out meals!
If you’re ready to get a grip, apps for budgeting or even a plain-old notebook help. Then compare your totals against average norms to see where you can trim.
Setting Limits That Work
Instead of cutting out eating out completely (because, hey, life’s for enjoying!), try setting a limit. We allocated around $150 a month for eating out and stuck to it. It helped us be mindful and still enjoy the fun part of dining out.
Want more guidance? The linked restaurant budget example breaks down how to keep spending on meals out within healthy limits. And if you’ve got a bigger family or group, explore the average eating out cost per month family of 4 too—it’s interesting to see how bigger groups manage their restaurant spend.
Little Wins Add Up
Simple Swaps To Try Today
Want to start saving right now? Here are a few no-brainer tips that made a difference for us:
- Swap one restaurant meal per week for homemade favorites.
- Prep meals ahead, so it feels less like a chore on busy days.
- Ditch delivery fees by picking up food yourself when you do order out.
- Split portions at restaurants or save half for lunch tomorrow.
It’s all about balance, really. You don’t have to go cold turkey, but reducing let’s say one or two meals out each week can stretch your budget a lot further.
What About Special Occasions?
Eating out is a treat, and that’s okay! The best budgets keep space for those celebrations without guilt. The trick is planning ahead: Factor those nights into your monthly budget and watch them feel even more enjoyable.
Want inspiration? See restaurant budget example ideas for how to build treats into your food spending plan without breaking the bank.
You’ve Got This
Look, the average eating out cost per month for 2 is eye-opening, right? It might seem like just pocket change here and there, but those dollars add up fast—sometimes faster than we want to admit. The good news? It’s totally doable to cut back without feeling like you’re missing out.
Start by tracking your own habits, then find small swaps that make sense for your lifestyle. Lean on simple home cooking, plan your treats, and remember to celebrate your money wins. Your wallet—and stomach—will thank you.
So… what’s one small step you might try this week? Cooking dinner twice instead of ordering out? Logging your food expenses for seven days? Let me know how it goes, and if you want extra inspiration, don’t forget to peek at the restaurant budget example and other linked resources.
Here’s to making food choices that feel good—for your health, your happiness, and your budget.
