Eating out is cheaper than cooking?
January 19th 2007 04:03
Americans are dining in restaurants more than ever, and with eateries trying to hold the line on prices, it's not necessarily a big money-saver to buy your own groceries.
According to this article in MSN Money, eating out is supposed to be the new eating in and time -strapped workers are abandoning the family kitchen and eating out in hordes inspite of wages remaining stagnant.
There is also a writeup about about a couple who spends $30 for cooking a single meal (including driving costs) and only $17 (including tip) for eating out.
Does that make any sense to you??? Maybe they drive to another state to buy expensive one of a kind food?
Somehow, even though I am faced with facts I cannot get myself to believe that eating out *IS* cheaper than cooking at home. Don’t get me wrong – I eat out very frequently but mainly because it’s convenient . I definitely don’t think it’s much cheaper.
So, whaddya think?
Is eating out really cheaper than cooking or is this just a case of making numbers do what we want them to?
Let me know in the comments secton
According to this article in MSN Money, eating out is supposed to be the new eating in and time -strapped workers are abandoning the family kitchen and eating out in hordes inspite of wages remaining stagnant.
For Leah McAllister, an advertising representative who lives near Atlanta, the rigors of work and family contribute to her decision to eat out frequently. On a recent night, she pushed her baby toward Taqueria del Sol, a Mexican eatery in downtown Decatur, Ga., for a plate of Memphis tacos.
Within a block, she had other options, including tsukemono vegetables at Sushi Avenue, rock-shrimp tacos at the Key West Fish House and organic Sonoma duck breast for $15 at the Supper Club.
The biggest reason for the shift in her lifestyle: grocery-store prices. Just the other day, she paid $8 for a package of chicken wings and was shocked that they cost so much. "I was raised that everyone came home and ate around the family table, but now we eat out at least three times a week," McAllister said. "It's easier, and sometimes it's cheaper."
The biggest reason for the shift in her lifestyle: grocery-store prices. Just the other day, she paid $8 for a package of chicken wings and was shocked that they cost so much. "I was raised that everyone came home and ate around the family table, but now we eat out at least three times a week," McAllister said. "It's easier, and sometimes it's cheaper."
There is also a writeup about about a couple who spends $30 for cooking a single meal (including driving costs) and only $17 (including tip) for eating out.
Does that make any sense to you??? Maybe they drive to another state to buy expensive one of a kind food?
Somehow, even though I am faced with facts I cannot get myself to believe that eating out *IS* cheaper than cooking at home. Don’t get me wrong – I eat out very frequently but mainly because it’s convenient . I definitely don’t think it’s much cheaper.
So, whaddya think?
Is eating out really cheaper than cooking or is this just a case of making numbers do what we want them to?
Let me know in the comments secton
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Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
I don't think you could sustain it. Eating out only that is.
I mean sometimes for $20 I get 3 pizzas. Not bad considering it feeds 2 adults and 2 kids and generally there are left overs for lunch the next day. But you couldn't keep it up.
I'm with you. I don't think eating out would be cheaper.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by katyzzz
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I am an extremely good budgeter, believe you me eating at home is the way to go, more nourishing, less bugs, better taste, no indigestion, no nasty hidden fats, excess salt etc etc.
I plan my meals and shop accordingly,
I went out today, 2 hour train journey each way, we ate rubbish for lunch, it was very tasty and quite cheap but no good for one's health, I do that sort of thing rarely, next time I'll make a healthier choice.
I cook, nowadays for one, it used to be 5, I don't have leftovers, nor did my mother, one gets good at planning quantities, sometimes I will make three meals in one go.
I have fresh fruit and vegetables and meat/fish and I know what goes into my food.
One needs to acquire a few skills, there are a lot of magazines now, teaching food preparation, cooking, ready for the table, faster than one can drive out, get and return with the take away.
People also need to think about how they use their money and become more efficient at calculating costs, I could feed Mrs. M's family more cheaply than the Pizza but understand everyone needs a break from household routines from time to time.
Hope I haven't taken over your post, often wonder why I feel so passionately about such things, but I do.
katyzzz
Comment by Manjula
agree with both of you - eating out everyday is DEFINITELY bad for your health and not sustainable in the long run
I guess people need to find a way to get it all squared in their head t and probably justify it by saying to themselves that eating out is cheaper than cooking
Katyzz:
No - You have not taken over my post. I agree with everything you have posted. You seem to have a good handle on your finances and seem to balance it with enjoying life.
I guess for the IM and right now generation planning long term may be a hard thing to do. If they have to cook they may shop and cook instead of buying in bulk or once a week.
Also, cooking is definitely a skill acquired with lots of practice and patience - not a virtue that seems to be around these days
Eating out once in a while as a treat or a break from routine is one thing - doing it regularly and then justifying that it is cheaper is insane !
Comment by Adele
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I'd definitely say that eating in is cheaper for me.
Comment by Manjula
Yes, glad you agree with me and not only is it cheaper it's also more healthier
Manjula
Comment by Nina
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Comment by Bhumika
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Comment by Manjula
I think the "eating out is cheaper" is a myth that is continuously being propogated in America. I seriously doubt that it can be true. ...As I wrote, I believe it's making statistics show what you want to believe
Bhumika:
Totally agree with you. It is hard to sustain eating out regularly. It is DEFINITELY not healthy
Thanks for visiting my blog. See ya around
Manjula
Comment by Lilla
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An Extra Ordinary Life
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I cannot support this article as truth. I feed four people on a really tight budget and there is nothing cheaper than a home cooked meal. I won't even start on the nutritional value of freshly steamed vegetables as opposed to old ones.
I think that you may be able to eat out for $17 if you're eating carbs and fat only. I do not believe you can have a nutritionally balanced meal for that price, no way! Unless you have a fruit salad and a Boost Juice and that'll already cost you $10 alone!
Then again, maybe in the big city brasseries where there is a great turnover, but again, your vegetables are well soaked... the rest? usually deep fried.
Lilla
Comment by Manjula
I'm glad you think like me and most of the other commentors.
I have been reading how eating out is soooo much cheaper and it didn't make sense to me so was beginning to doubt myself and wondering if I was missing something
After reading all the comments, I've concluded that
Eating out is NOT cheaper and NOT healthier.
Of course, I still do eat out on occasion which is totally different from eating out everyday because it is "supposed" to be cheaper
Manjula
Comment by Anonymous
If you can more money during this time why waste it on regular chores?
We put on weight on home food but, we ration when we eat out!
But life will be boring without the cooking ritual!
Comment by DavidH
Defending the indefensible
I'm sure there is a good balance in there somewhere.