Cost Per Meal Calculator
Calculate your blended average cost per meal across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, combining home cooking, work cafeterias, and weekend restaurant dining.
Breakfast (Weekly)
Lunch (Weekly)
Dinner (Weekly)
Weighted Cost Per Meal Formula
Average Cost/Meal = (Weekly Breakfast Spend + Weekly Lunch Spend + Weekly Dinner Spend) / Total Meals Eaten (21)- Breakfast: Home eggs/oats ($2.00) vs cafe bakery/sandwich ($8.00).
- Lunch: Home prep/leftovers ($4.00) vs fast-casual work lunch ($14.00).
- Dinner: Home cooking ($6.00) vs full-service dining/takeout ($30.00).
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
How to Use This Calculator
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes a standard 21 meal opportunities per week (3 meals daily).
- Snacks and beverages are integrated into nearest meal categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a meal in the United States?
In the US, an average home-cooked meal costs $3.50 to $5.00, a fast-casual lunch costs $12.00 to $16.00, and a casual restaurant dinner averages $25.00 to $40.00 per person including tax and tip.
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