Spending · 2023
Food away from home
The average U.S. household spends $3,318 a year on food away from home — about 5% of the budget (2023).
$3,318
Avg per year
5%
Of total budget
+11%
Since 2019
Food away from home by income (before tax)
Under $30k$1,778
$30k–50k$2,368
$50k–70k$2,833
$70k–100k$3,680
$100k–150k$4,392
$150k+$6,431
Food away from home by age of reference person
Under 25$2,561
25–34$3,546
35–44$4,004
45–54$4,509
55–64$3,088
65–74$2,601
75+$1,891
Food away from home by region
Northeast$3,569
Midwest$2,978
South$2,955
West$4,165
Food away from home by housing tenure
Owner, with mortgage$4,247
Owner, no mortgage$2,763
Renter$2,659
Other$1,891
Food away from home — FAQ
How much do Americans spend on food away from home?+
In 2023, the average U.S. household spent $3,318 per year on food away from home — about 5% of total spending (BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey).
Has food away from home spending changed since 2019?+
Average food away from home spending went from $3,001 in 2019 to $3,318 in 2023 — a +11% change (nominal dollars).
Where does this come from?+
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey (Interview + Diary, integrated). Independent estimates computed from the CE PUMD microdata (re-derived from UCC-level detail); major categories track BLS's published tables within a few percent. PUMSdata is not affiliated with BLS.