Misconception #1: "It is cheaper to eat out than it is eat at home"
The Math
Just doing some back of the napkin type of calculations, I figure that a typical entree at a chain type of sit down restaurant costs average about $10 a person. I figure that most people also get a drink (soda, lemonade, etc) and those are usually about $2.50. For a couple, your bill is going to run at least $25. Add in tax and a tip and you are looking at something over $30.
Of course, some folks might point out that they don't always go to a sit down place and they grab a combo meal from a fast food joint. I don't eat fast food very often, but I think it is safe to say that most fast food combos run at least $6-7 a piece. For a couple, it is probably going to run you at least $15 for a fast food meal.
Now let's look at what I might consider a typical weeknight meal. At our house, a typical meal usually has a protein (red meat, pork, or chicken), carb (rice, potato, etc), and a veggie. For this exercise, my meal is going to be grilled chicken thighs, brown rice, and broccoli. On average, chicken thighs are usually around $1.25 (I usually pay less) and there are about 7-8 lbs in a family pack. For this exercise, let's say that you cook 4 lbs. of thighs. Your protein for this meal is going to cost you about $5. I like to cook my brown rice with chicken broth, so let's add a couple of bucks for broth and another $1 for 2 cups of rice (again, a little on the high side). For my protein and starch, I'm sitting $8 right now. When it is in season, fresh broccoli will run you a couple of dollars a pound. I'm going to say that we bought 3 lbs. of it, for $6. Oooh, we forgot bbq sauce and a drink. $2 for the sauce and $2 for a 2-liter of soda. For tonight's dinner, we spent about $18 (again, being way liberal on the prices). $18 is a bit more than the fast food joint, but quite a bit less than the chain restaurant. Of course, I made enough food tonight for lunch tomorrow (and beyond possibly) so I've stretched my dollar beyond what I would get at your typical restaurant.
Now, one can argue coupons and such can make eating out cheaper but I can counter that argument with sales and coupons or other things like that. It's kind of a circular argument.
Other Reasons
- I think alot of "non-cooks" say this because buying simple kitchen ingredients does add up. The first time my wife made Chicken Tikka Masala, we had to buy all of the Indian spices that were required for the dish. It probably did cost us more (if you factor in the spices) to make it the first time than it would have cost to go an Indian restaurant for dinner. Of course, we have made this dish and other Indian dishes quite a few times since then so the cost has been significantly spread out. If you don't have basic cooking ingredients, your grocery bill is probably going to be a little higher than mine is but I have a well stocked cupboard right now. Then again, one can get by with just salt and pepper and that stuff is pretty cheap.
- Some folks cook out of cans or boxes. I still think it is cheaper to do it that way, but pre-made foods can be more expensive than cooking from scratch (they can also be cheaper when stuff isn't in season).
At the end of the day, I think this is just a rationalization that folks tell themselves to justify eating out. It may be true in some instances, but I think in the end that cooking at home is going to save you a heck of a lot money in the long run.
