These U.S. Cities Spend the Most on Dining Out, According to a New Report
A new study revealed which cities in the U.S. spend the most on dining out at restaurants as a percentage of total income and total expenses, and the results may surprise you.
Have you ever looked at your restaurant bill and thought that it was abnormally high? I have definitely felt that way! With the rising food prices, it may seem like you are spending more and more when you go out to eat.
A recent study showed that people in certain U.S. cities spend way more than others when it comes to restaurant meals. The study examined data from the USDA’s Food Expenditure Series (FES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CES) across 22 major metropolitan areas to determine which city spends the most on restaurant bills.
So, which city tends to spend more than others when it comes to eating out? Let’s take a look!
Cities With the Highest Restaurant Spending as a Percentage of Total Spending
There are a few ways to assess restaurant spending across cities. The Escoffier study analyzed spending in several ways, and the results varied slightly based on the approach. However, I decided to look mainly at restaurant spending as a percentage of a person’s total expenses. This gives us a clear picture of how dining out fits into overall consumer budgets.
So, without further delay, here are the results!
1. Honolulu, HI
Annual Restaurant Spending: $3,528
Percentage of Annual Expenditures: 4.71%
Aloha, big spenders! Honolulu takes the crown as the city where residents shell out the most for restaurant meals. With a massive 4.71% of their total expenditures going to dining out, it’s clear that locals enjoy their poke bowls, fresh seafood, and luau-style feasts.
Given Hawaii’s sky-high cost of living (second most expensive city in the U.S.!) and the incredible food scene, it makes sense that Honolulu food lovers are willing to pay top dollar for delicious island cuisine. Who can blame them when paradise is served on a plate?
2. Los Angeles, CA
Annual Restaurant Spending: $3,082
Percentage of Annual Expenditures: 4.00%
LA is known for more than just Hollywood and movie stars. It’s also a foodie paradise! Whether it’s grabbing a taco from a roadside stand, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, or hopping on the latest avocado toast trend, Angelenos spend 4.00% of their annual expenditures on dining out.
In a city where socializing often revolves around the latest hot spot, it’s no surprise that restaurant spending is a major part of the budget. At least the food in LA is pretty tasty, which, in our humble opinion, makes it worth the extra cost!
3. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Annual Restaurant Spending: $2,720
Percentage of Annual Expenditures: 3.78%
Everything is bigger in Texas, including restaurant spending. With 3.78% of total expenditures going toward dining out, Dallas-Fort Worth residents clearly have a taste for big flavors and hearty meals.
So, what are those Texans paying so much money for? There’s no shortage of delicious options worth splurging on in Texas, where you can get anything from legendary barbecue food to upscale steakhouses and Tex-Mex masterpieces. The food is unbelievable, but the price can be just as shocking.
4. Baltimore, MD
Annual Restaurant Spending: $3,077
Percentage of Annual Expenditures: 3.75%
Baltimore’s love affair with food comes with a price tag. Residents here dedicate 3.75% of their total budget just to restaurant dining. That may seem like a lot, but with fresh seafood, historic eateries, and a growing culinary scene, Charm City’s foodies are willing to put their money where their mouth is.
If you find yourself in Baltimore, hop on the spending trend and grab some iconic crab cakes and craft beer. There is a reason why people living in Baltimore dine out so often- the food just tastes so good!
5. Denver, CO
Annual Restaurant Spending: $3,111
Percentage of Annual Expenditures: 3.69%
Denver residents are no strangers to good food and great beer. The city is known for its pub scene and craft beer market. But you may be surprised by just how much Deverites spend on restaurant bills each year.
The Escoffier study showed that people spend 3.69% of their annual budget on restaurants. This more than proves that the Mile-High City food culture is alive and well! Makes us want to grab a pint next time we are in Denver…
6. St. Louis, MO
Annual Restaurant Spending: $2,617
Percentage of Annual Expenditures: 3.68%
St. Louis might be famous for its arch, but it should also be famous for its appetite. With 3.68% of annual expenditures going to restaurants, locals clearly enjoy their St. Louis-style pizza, toasted ravioli, and BBQ.
Food is part of the culture in St.Louis, and residents are more than happy to spend on it. Tourists will enjoy the food just as much, so hop on a plane to St. Louis and be sure to bring your wallet and appetite.
7. Philadelphia, PA
Annual Restaurant Spending: $2,993
Percentage of Annual Expenditures: 3.48%
Philadelphia is a city of food lovers, and the spending habits prove it. With 3.48% of their total annual expenditures going to dining out, It is clear that the people of Philly love their food! And who can blame them?
If you have ever had a Philly cheesesteak, you would know why so much cash goes to restaurant bills. Those sandwiches are irresistible!
8. Washington, D.C.
Annual Restaurant Spending: $3,269
Percentage of Annual Expenditures: 3.47%
The nation’s capital isn’t just about politics, but it’s about food, too! Washington, D.C. residents allocate 3.47% of their annual spending just to restaurants. It seems as though power lunches and high-end dining are a staple in this city.
D.C. is also known for its diverse food scene, which features everything from Michelin-starred establishments to casual international eats. It really has something for everyone, which may be why so many residents choose to dine out rather than eat at home.
9. Chicago, IL
Annual Restaurant Spending: $2,565
Percentage of Annual Expenditures: 3.45%
We were not that surprised that Chicago made the top ten list of cities where restaurant spending is the highest. That Chicago deep-dish pizza is pretty irresistible! But the restaurant spending seems to go way beyond just pizza.
With 3.45% of their annual expenses dedicated to dining out, Chicago locals enjoy a food scene that includes everything from gourmet hot dogs to high-end dining experiences. Windy City residents definitely know how to eat well, and their spending habits prove this.
10. Phoenix, AZ
Annual Restaurant Spending: $2,411
Percentage of Annual Expenditures: 3.36%
Rounding out the top ten is Phoenix, where residents spend 3.36% of their total expenditures on restaurants. From tacos to Southwestern flavor and even high-end cuisine, Phoenicians are serious about their food.
With plenty of great outdoor dining destinations and a booming new restaurant scene, it’s easy to see why people here love eating out. It almost makes us want to plan a trip to Phoenix to see what the fuss is all about!
While restaurant spending varies across cities, one thing is clear: Americans love dining out. From the pricey but tasty island flavors of Honolulu to the high-end dining of D.C., food is an experience that is always worth splurging on. Just be ready to pull out your wallets when you visit one of these cities!
This article was inspired by Escoffier.
