A story on today's newswire states something The Wonderful Husband and I have known for a while:
Oftentimes it's less expensive to eat out than to cook at home.

That's especially true when two bags' worth of groceries at Whole Foods costs, what, $40 minimum? During weeks when we cook a lot, I'll pop into Whole Foods or The Fresh Market two or three times—that's about $80, at least—and make a trip to the state farmer's market near our house. That's usually another $15 or so. Antiobiotic-free meats and dairy are expensive, but it's what we try to buy.

Now, the exception here might be frozen entrees. They're filling and relatively cheap, but usually pretty yuck on the healthy meter.
Not that I don't like a little Stouffer's Grandma's Chicken and Vegetable Rice Bake on a chilly fall evening. Mmmmmmm, that's what I'm talkin' about. But my point is you can feed a family for $6, maybe $8 if you make a salad, too.

On the other hand, we can run up the street and quickly get exquisite chicken Marsala or sushi or even just grilled chicken salads for $15 and below. Plus, the immense portion sizes at restaurants today make it easy for two adults—and even a toddler—to share one main course. Dinner accomplished, no dishes, no shopping time.

Are you finding that the economics of eating out often beat the costs of the home-cooked family dinner? Please comment and let me know.