PSA: I found out the average American spends way more on takeout than they think

I was reading a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics last week, and it said the average household spends over $3,500 a year on eating out. That's almost $300 a month! I always thought my own $150 a month was high, but this blew my mind. It made me realize how much small, regular orders add up without you noticing. I'm trying to cut back by planning meals better, but it's tough. Has anyone else tracked their food spending and been shocked by the number?

4 comments

4 Comments

aaron_perry23d ago

People value their time and convenience more than just the dollar amount. Cooking every meal takes hours out of your week that could be spent on work or family. That $300 a month might be a fair price for getting some of your life back.

mark_ward23d ago

Right? My coffee habit alone is a mortgage payment.

max_brown23d ago

Tell me about it, mark_ward. My lunch delivery apps are basically a second car payment at this point.

smith.parker10d ago

But isn't that the whole problem, making convenience a line item? Max_brown mentioned lunch apps being a car payment, and it adds up fast. You start paying for time, but then you need more money to cover those new costs. Doesn't that just trap you in a cycle of needing to work more hours to afford the shortcuts?