Tag: Eating out vs cooking

According to a 2025 USDA moderate food budget, the average single adult can expect to spend approximately $13 to $15 per day on groceries alone. Understanding how much does it cost for the average person to eat per day involves analyzing personal choices, location, and inflation.

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.

Studies consistently show that cooking at home is significantly cheaper than eating out, with one report finding a home-cooked meal costs up to five times less than a restaurant delivery. This deep dive explores whether cooking for yourself is actually cheaper, examining factors like ingredient costs, time investment, and potential pitfalls to give you a clear financial picture.

According to a 2023 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spends approximately 10% of its total income on food, with a significant portion allocated to eating out. This statistic alone makes many people wonder: do you save money by eating at home? The short answer is a resounding yes, but the real savings come from understanding the hidden costs of dining out and adopting smart strategies for home-cooked meals.

According to research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, people who cook at home consume fewer carbohydrates, sugar, and fat. Embracing the benefits of cooking your food rather than ordering out can transform your health, finances, and well-being.

According to a large study involving nearly 12,000 people, those who ate home-cooked meals more than five times a week were significantly less likely to be overweight or have excess body fat. This research strongly suggests that **is cooking at home often healthier?**