Dining out is an integral part of any vacation – whether it’s a family holiday or a solo trip. Dining out offers numerous advantages and rewards. The cuisine can be exquisite, the overall experience pleasurable, and it allows individuals to unwind without the concerns of preparing a meal.
Visiting new restaurants also provides an opportunity to discover and sample diverse culinary traditions that one may not have encountered previously.
An occasional meal at a restaurant will not significantly impact your finances; however, depending on your location within the United States and the frequency of your dining out, the costs can accumulate over time.
A recent nationwide study examined available industry data, focusing on the cost of a meal at an affordable restaurant. This analysis aimed to identify the states where dining out is the most and least expensive. To ensure a more precise ranking, data from various cities within each state was gathered and averaged. Additionally, the study evaluated the cost of a three-course meal for two individuals at a mid-range restaurant, which was also factored into the overall ranking.
South Dakota is identified as the most economical state for dining out, where a budget meal is priced at $13.40. This state ranks second in the nation for the affordability of a three-course meal for two, which averages $54.00.
Oklahoma follows as the second most cost-effective state for dining, with an average inexpensive meal costing $14.00. However, it ranks 34th in terms of the price for a three-course meal for two, which averages $61.90.
Arkansas is noted as the third most affordable state for dining out, with a budget meal costing $14.19. Additionally, a three-course meal for two in Arkansas is the third least expensive in the United States, averaging $54.77.
Iowa ranks fourth, where a budget meal is priced at $14.40. The average cost for a three-course dinner for two individuals is $59.63, making it the 11th least expensive option nationwide.
North Dakota follows as the fifth most affordable state for dining out, with a budget meal averaging $14.50. In this Peace Garden State, a three-course meal for two at a restaurant is priced at $56.25, which is the fifth lowest in the country.
Kansas occupies the sixth position in the top ten, with an average cost of $14.70. Following closely is Utah in seventh place, priced at $14.93, and Kentucky in eighth, averaging $15.24.
Georgia is ranked ninth, with a cost of $16.11, while Wisconsin rounds out the list in tenth place, where the average meal price is $16.36.
The research also ranked the states where dining out is the most costly.
Hawaii ranks as the most expensive state for dining, with a meal at a budget-friendly restaurant averaging $27.25. A three-course dinner for two in this state amounts to $99.00, making it the highest in the nation.
Following closely is Alaska, the second most expensive state for dining out, where an inexpensive meal is priced at $24.98. In this state, a three-course meal for two would set diners back $79.00, ranking it as the 10th most expensive in the United States.
New Hampshire ranks third, with the cost of an inexpensive meal at $24.41. The state also holds the fifth position for the price of a three-course meal, which amounts to $79.00.
In fourth place is Rhode Island, where an inexpensive meal is priced at $24.13. In this state, a three-course meal for two individuals will set diners back $96.56, making it the second most expensive option in the United States.
