The Price Of Eating Out Reaches Staggering New High

The price of eating out has risen 8.8% over the past year.

By Trista Sobeck | Published

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Have you been to any kind of restaurant lately? If you look around and see a lot of people (and are like my mom), you’ll say, “How do all these people afford this?” And, it’s a valid question. The price of eating out has outpaced the price of groceries since inflation started heating up. And, restaurateurs are not happy about it.

According to CNBC, the price of eating out is up 8.8% over the last year, while the price of food at home is up 8.4% in the same period. And as restaurants try to bounce back from the slow-down from COVID, this puts them in another trying situation for the price of eating out.

A recent study has revealed that, while convenience and pleasure come with the price of eating out, the price tag often doesn’t. The cost of restaurant meals is typically higher than those made at home. 

The price of eating out often can add up quickly, resulting in a hefty financial burden for many people. However, there are ways to mitigate this expense. Researching specials and discounts ahead of time can save money on meals – whether you’re dining in or taking food home. 

Additionally, bringing leftovers to work or school for lunch can provide budget relief from buying expensive food elsewhere. Ultimately, being mindful of where money goes when it comes to the price of eating out is important for staying financially secure. 

Consider if the extra price of eating out is worth it for your particular situation. It’s important to be aware that eating out can cost more than eating at home. Doing so will help save money in the long run. Restaurants have been hiring robots to do servers’ jobs, but they may have to fire them due to increased prices. 

Inflation may be rising, but this has not stopped diners from eating out – prices for restaurant meals have increased a larger margin than those of grocery store items over the past 12 months. 

This is the first time since 2021 that restaurant prices have risen faster than those at supermarkets, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The data shows that food sold in stores saw an average price increase of 3.6 percent between April 2021 and April 2022, restaurant menu costs surged 5.2 percent during the same period. 

The hike in restaurant prices and the price of eating out may be attributed to increasing labor and overhead costs – as restaurants face pressure to pay higher wages, they are raising their menus accordingly.

These figures could indicate a shift in consumer preferences towards eating out rather than at home. As the economy picks up, more and more people are opting for restaurant meals instead of cooking for themselves. 

Restaurants have also become increasingly popular due to the convenience they offer – with delivery apps, online ordering systems, and take-out options making dining out easier than ever before. But, the price of eating out continues to increase.

It remains to be seen whether this trend will continue as inflation hikes cause prices to rise even further – but one thing is certain: restaurants remain a viable option for those looking for a night out or a quick meal. 
With their increasing popularity and convenience, it looks like eating out won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. In addition, people want to see sustainability. And that takes time and money.