Ran across an atricle in the WSJ noting that we spend 1.4 trillion each year eating out. (presume this includes fast food). That seemed like a lot to me so I looked up how much we sepnd on groceries. That's around 1 trillion.
When I told my wife I was surprised by these numbers she said, "That's because your idea of going out for dinner is picking up burritos from Gordos."

Yes, and that $1.4 Trillion data point was for 2023.
+ 42% from 2018.

$4,074 per capita in 2023.

Does eating out include ordering in? If so, not at all surprised the numbers are so high

It comes to less than $80 per week per person, very reasonable.

DiabloWags said:

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Yes, and that $1.4 Trillion data point was for 2023.
+ 42% from 2018.

$4,074 per capita in 2023.

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I looked up what the amounts are per income quintile and for the top 20% it's $7.500 or for a married couple $300 per week. Definitely not pulling my weight. When I was growing up we never went out to eat, so I guess it's carried over.

LudwigsFountain said:

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DiabloWags said:

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Yes, and that $1.4 Trillion data point was for 2023.
+ 42% from 2018.

$4,074 per capita in 2023.

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I looked up what the amounts are per income quintile and for the top 20% it's $7.500 or for a married couple $300 per week. Definitely not pulling my weight. When I was growing up we never went out to eat, so I guess it's carried over.

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And of course it also depends on what state you live in.
Per capita could be anywhere between $5,300 to $2,870

CA is $5,189.00

AR is $2,870.00

Dining Out Is Devouring Your Budget - And It's Worse in Some States Than Others - 24/7 Wall St.