Is It Cheaper to Eat at Home or Out? l Clark Howard

Inflation has been eating our wallets, especially at the supermarket. Is it really cheaper these days to eat out than cook at home? Clark says, in some cases, yes. But is it cheaper for you? Listen to find out.

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[kennixox]

Clark, it might be inexpensive to eat at some of these places. Over the long run, consuming ultra processed corporate food will result in poor health outcomes.

[Savannah-edrv]

Eating out seems expensive but the servings are large so we get at least 2-3 meals from one order. Plus it saves time and energy at home.

[TKOinlife]

I will continue to cook at home for my own peace of mind. I just don't trust the cleanliness of most eateries. I will eat out if traveling and pray for the best.

[BennettYancey]

It depends but just on my experience, I still think buying groceries is cheaper. However, the gap between eating out and groceries is probably closer now than ever due to inflation. Maybe if you’re single it may not matter as much. Idk…

[watchmethriving]

I've gotten multiple free BigMacs and other things at McDonalds using the app, it's crazy!! I very rarely order anything that's not a special on the app.

[SarV]

I've learned meal planning around sales, and I don't shop at Walmart or buy food that contains bioengineered food ingredients, so its very possible. We are a family of 4 on $140 grocery budget and $50 out to eat budget per week. We spend almost all of the $50 on 1 trip out, its ridiculous.

[noreenn]

Save money by shopping the perimeter of the store and cook your own meals.

[Retiredmco]

FIRST 🥇Clark you stink on this one! You forgot the 20 - 25% Plus the gas to and from the restaurant! FYI not everyone can afford an EV like you my friend. Also eating the junk at Mc Donald's is laughable Lol 😂😆.

[anniealexander]

I get a bogo for a 12 inch at subway about once a month. Me and my daughter can ear lunch and dinner for about $8. It's a great deal and treat.

Usually, eating at home is cheaper. McDonald's was a cheap option but they've gone way up on prices.

[shahram]

Cooking at home is not always the cheapest option. When I cook at home, I usually only use lower cost ingredients. Otherwise, it's just cheaper to eat out. But one has to take into account the health implications... Restaurant meals can easily have double the calories of a similar home cooked meal.

[pointreyes]

Our dinners are either something quick (chicken, pork, beef and rice, potatoes, pasta with veggies) or something that we make lots of and freeze (chili, stews, soups, etc.) and rarely do we spend over $2.00 per serving for dinner. We don't get excited about organic but we are very fussy about quality. We do go out occasionally and skip starters, drinks, and desert. It's still very expensive where I live ($20 per person)

[eileeneclark]

8/27/22...I am single retired lady on Soc Sec who looks for food specials for both me + my rescue dog.
I read Wed 📰 ads + list "specials" + BOGO + store "brand" items for my local grocery stores....Aldi's + Publix + Wal-Mart +
Then I get receipts from Panda 🐼 Express + KFC + Burger King + McDonald's....Then I call 📞 or go online + get "code" 🤔 for next drive-thru visit.
And I cook 🍳 😋 2 meals @ 1 time...1st for dinner + leftovers for next day's lunch or dinner.
Doesn't take long time but sure saves me some money!
Just

[autohelix]

Eating out is definitely not cheaper not even close.

[bobbyvee]

Clark. I've followed you religiously for over 20 years and have been a disciple, however, on this point, I could not disagree more. The abstinence of French Fries has seriously affected your thinking!!

[mauricesanchez]

Its cheaper to cook your meals at home than it is to eat out, take out or Uber Eats etc. Even if your shopping at discount markets, discount grocers etc, you can easily feed yourself for 3 days on $20-30$ and can feed anywhere to 2-3 people. Portion size does take into consideration, but in the end, just mkae your food at home because as others mentioned, it will take a toll in the long run on your health.

[lukasnilsson]

When you start valuing time, eating out will save you hours

[moonlightstargem]

There is healthy food you can eat out at now a days. And you as an individual can choose your portion sizes & eat on the go so u don’t waste food you won’t eat at home. You can eat the exact portions you want on the go & only eat when ur hungry! No food goes to waste

[noreenn]

What about Chick-fil-A? Always a very long line anytime I drive by.

[Redallstar]

“I excited you, saying eating out”. I have the mind of a teenager. 😂😂😂

[e-care-books]

Haha here's how much of a cheapskate Clark is . most guys when they're having a midlife crisis that go out and buy a porsche, Clark decides to eat out at chipotle. Lol love this show.