How Much You Could Be Saving by Eating At Home, Across the U.S.

Earlier this month, at ProfitDuel we carried out a nationwide study into the savings Americans could make by eating at home, revealing some states could see savings of up to $758.55 per year.

As part of this series, we're showing our audience on smart ways they can boost their monthly income alongside ProfitDuel.

This study in particular looked into how much money residents could save per year by choosing home-cooked meals over dining out, and the results may shock you.

Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Interactive Map
3. Table of Results
4. State Savings in-Depth
5. Methodology
6. Ultimate Income-Boosting Hack

1. Key Takeaways

For those looking to save money, even small changes can add up to significant savings over time. Whether you’re working toward a major purchase, building an emergency fund, or managing everyday expenses, adopting simple strategies - like cooking at home instead of dining out - can make a meaningful difference.

The District of Columbia tops the list as the state where residents can save the most by opting for home-cooked meals, with potential annual savings of $758.55.
Mississippi offers the lowest potential savings at $345.19 per year, but this still represents a meaningful opportunity to cut costs.

On average, individuals across the U.S. could save $482.63 annually by choosing to eat at home, with residents in certain states able to achieve even greater savings.

2. Interactive Map 

Check out the interactive map below to see the average potential household savings annually from eating at home your state.

*District of Columbia: $758.55 Avg. Savings

3. Table of Results: Eating at Home to Save Money in the U.S.

4. State Savings In-Depth

Below we've analyzed some of the most interesting results from states explored in the study, deep-diving into these figures.

District of Columbia

The District of Columbia stands out as the state with the most significant opportunity to save money by eating at home rather than dining out. On average, households in D.C. spend $10,158.18 annually on food consumed at home, while dining out accounts for $5,660.82 of their yearly expenditures.

By opting to cook more meals at home, households could save an estimated $758.55 per year, an amount that could meaningfully contribute to other financial priorities.

While the potential savings in D.C. are impressive, they also highlight the broader economic context of the area. The District of Columbia has one of the highest costs of living in the nation, with households spending an average of $45,906.75 annually on housing and $3,151.11 on travel. These substantial expenses place significant financial pressure on residents, making savings in other areas, such as food, even more critical.

By choosing to prepare meals at home, households can ease some of these financial burdens. The estimated $758.55 in annual savings from eating in could be reallocated to help offset the soaring costs of housing or reduce travel expenses, providing much-needed relief in a high-cost region.

Additionally, cooking at home might serve as a small but meaningful way to combat these financial challenges, while also encouraging healthier eating habits and fostering a greater sense of control over household budgets in such a dynamic and demanding environment.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts ranks as the second state with the most significant opportunity for savings by choosing to eat at home instead of dining out. Households in the state spend an average of $8,711.84 annually on food consumed at home, compared to $4,734.14 on dining out. By making a shift towards home-cooked meals, families in Massachusetts could save an estimated $634.38 per year.

The state’s savings potential reflects a combination of its cultural and economic factors. Known for its bustling cities, thriving economy, and strong culinary scene, Massachusetts residents often find themselves dining out for convenience or to enjoy the rich variety of food options. However, these indulgences add up quickly, and even moderate adjustments to eating habits could lead to meaningful savings.

Massachusetts households also face significant costs in other areas, with average expenditures of $2,614.71 on education and $8,843.40 on healthcare annually. In a state where these essential services rank among the most expensive in the nation, saving on food expenses can provide critical financial relief for those striving to manage their budgets. 

Mississippi: Smaller Savings, Still Significant Impact

Mississippi ranks last in terms of how much money you could save by eating at home instead of dining out, on average, but the opportunity for households to save remains meaningful.

On average, households in Mississippi spend $4,899.08 annually on food consumed at home and $2,576.02 on dining out. By choosing to prepare more meals at home, households in the region could save an estimated $345.19 per year, a smaller amount compared to other states but still significant enough to make a notable difference.

In a state with one of the lowest median household incomes in the nation ($52,985), even modest savings have the potential to create significant financial relief. For many families in Mississippi, reallocating $345.19 could help cover essential expenses like utility bills, transportation costs, or savings for emergencies. 

Whilst Mississippi’s savings potential may not rival states like the District of Columbia or Massachusetts, it is a reminder that every dollar saved matters. For many families, small adjustments in spending habits can lay the foundation for greater financial stability and long-term well-being.

5. Methodology

This study aimed to quantify potential savings for households by opting to eat in rather than dining out across the United States. Data were presented on the average potential annual savings per household for each U.S. state.

Data Sources

Data for the study were sourced from the United States Census Bureau's Census Business Builder (CBB). This resource provides tailored demographic and economic data in an accessible format. Key metrics analyzed include:

• Consumer expenditures per household on food consumed at home
• Consumer expenditures per household on dining out (food away from home)
• Household spending on housing, travel, healthcare, and education
• Household incomes

The analysis primarily used the first two metrics to calculate potential savings, while additional spending data provided context on broader household financial patterns.

Data Collection

The data was collected to provide a comprehensive picture of consumer spending behaviors across U.S. households. These metrics were broken down by state, ensuring regional specificity.

Calculation of Potential Savings

To determine potential annual savings per household, the study calculated the difference between average expenditures on dining out (food away from home) and average expenditures on food consumed at home. 

Data Processing and Weighting

The study focused on deriving a single, clear metric: the average potential savings per household annually for each state. No additional weighting or adjustments were applied, as the calculation relied directly on the expenditure data provided.

6. The Ultimate Income-Boosting Hack

Cooking at home isn’t just healthier, it’s a smart financial move. The money you save by skipping restaurant meals could go toward your next vacation, a new home, or simply offer you greater financial freedom.

Alternatively, you could start a side hustle or discover an easy way to make money online to top up your bank account.

That’s where we come in. 

ProfitDuel is the ultimate income-boosting hack for Americans looking to top up their monthly earnings without giving up life's simple pleasures. 

By dedicating just a few spare hours a week, ProfitDuel members can earn (and are earning) $1,000s each month converting promo offers using our intelligent software and expert support.

Check out a handful of customer stories from the 500,000 members that have made money with us, and get started earning with a huge 50% off your first month.