Category: Food budgeting

According to USDA data from August 2025, a single person on a moderate-cost food plan spends approximately $382.20 per month on groceries. However, this figure is just an average, with actual expenses varying significantly based on factors like location, dietary choices, and cooking habits.

According to food yield tables, a raw bone-in chicken thigh typically yields an edible portion of 70 to 75%. This percentage varies depending on whether the skin and bone are removed, and how much excess fat is trimmed from the cut.

According to USDA data, fresh watermelon has been, on average, one of the least expensive fruits per cup equivalent. While a definitive single cheapest fruit globally is difficult to pinpoint due to regional market variations, common contenders like bananas and watermelons consistently offer excellent value.

On average, a whole raw chicken yields only about 58% edible meat. Understanding this is key to budgeting and meal planning, especially when determining how much meat is in 5 lb of chicken.

According to a 2024 analysis, the average cost of a home-cooked meal is significantly lower, at around $4-$6 per person, compared to a restaurant meal costing $15-$20 or more. This stark difference highlights that determining how much you should be spending on one meal is a highly personal and budget-dependent decision.