Summary
Rising costs are causing Americans to eat out less often. Restaurant prices have increased significantly, leading many people to choose cooking at home over dining out to manage their budgets.
Key Facts
- Restaurant prices increased by 4.1% in 2025, double the rate of grocery inflation.
- Food and labor costs in restaurants have risen by 35% over five years.
- From 2020 to 2024, average annual wages in the U.S. rose by 18%, while consumer prices went up by 21%.
- A recent survey found that 40% of young U.S. renters and homeowners are reducing dining out to afford housing costs.
- Home prices have increased by over 40% since 2018, whereas wages have risen by only 28%.
- The median asking rent in the U.S. has increased by about 22% since 2018.
