Eating out can be a fun and convenient way to enjoy a meal, but it can also take a serious toll on your wallet. The occasional splurge might seem harmless, but those $10 lunches and $30 dinners quickly add up. If you’re looking for a simple and sustainable way to save money, learning how to save money by eating out less is a great place to start.
This guide will walk you through actionable tips on how to save money by eating out less without feeling deprived. From practical budgeting strategies to creative meal ideas, you’ll find everything you need to make smarter food choices that support your financial goals.
Step 1: Track Your Spending Habits
Start by taking an honest look at your dining expenses. Pull up your bank statements or use a budgeting app to see how much you’re spending each month on takeout, restaurant meals, and coffee runs. This snapshot will help you set a realistic savings goal.
For more budgeting help, check out our guide on how to track your monthly expenses.
Step 2: Start Meal Planning
One of the best ways to save money by eating out less is to plan your meals in advance. Sit down each weekend and decide what you’ll eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then make a grocery list based on your plan. Not only will this reduce food waste, but it also keeps you out of the drive-thru line.
Need help getting started? Try using Budget Bytes’ affordable weekly meal plans for ideas.
Step 3: Cook at Home More Often
If you’re serious about learning how to save money by eating out less, cooking at home is a must. It’s significantly cheaper and gives you full control over ingredients and portion sizes. Even if you’re not a skilled chef, there are countless beginner-friendly recipes available online. Start with one-pot meals or oven-roasted dishes cooked on a single baking tray. Once you gain confidence, try batch-cooking to save time and keep your meals cost-effective.
The 6-Year Family Budget & Expense Tracker helps you track food spending over time, showing how cooking at home impacts your budget.
Step 4: Pack Your Lunch
If you’re used to buying lunch during the workweek, this one small habit change can save you hundreds per month. Leftovers from dinner, simple sandwiches, or meal-prepped salads are all great lunch options. Invest in quality containers and an insulated bag to make the process easier.
Step 5: Look for Restaurant Deals and Specials
Sometimes you still want to enjoy a meal out, and that’s okay! Just be strategic about it. Use coupon sites, join restaurant loyalty programs, or go out during happy hour to take advantage of discounts. Dining out doesn’t have to be full price to be enjoyable. You can find some great deals at Restaurant.com, which lists discounts and special offers near you.
Step 6: Cook in Bulk and Freeze
Batch cooking isn’t just convenient, it’s budget-friendly. Make large portions of pasta, soups, or casseroles and freeze them in individual servings. You’ll always have a homemade option ready to go, which makes skipping takeout much easier.
Step 7: Choose Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Another helpful strategy in learning how to save money by eating out less is to rethink where you dine when you do go out. Upscale restaurants aren’t your only option. Try food trucks, casual diners, or neighborhood eateries that serve generous portions at more affordable prices. These budget-friendly alternatives allow you to enjoy eating out occasionally without derailing your savings goals.
Step 8: Always Keep Snacks and Drinks Handy
Hunger can strike at inconvenient times, especially when you’re running errands or on the go. Keep snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or fruit in your bag. Carry a refillable water bottle to avoid spending money on overpriced drinks. This strategy helps reduce spending and supports your goal to eat out less.
Managing food costs becomes easier when you can see how eating habits affect your budget. The 6-Year Family Budget & Expense Tracker helps you:
Track grocery and dining expenses side by side
Spot patterns in food spending over the years
Stay consistent with home-cooked meal savings
Step 9: Use Cashback and Rewards Apps
Make your money work harder by using cashback apps like Rakuten, Fetch Rewards, or Ibotta. Some apps offer rebates on restaurant spending or groceries. Combine these with credit card rewards for extra savings. For more on this, read our guide on how to use cashback and reward programs.
Step 10: Set Dining-Out Limits
Set a realistic monthly limit for how much you’ll spend eating out. Stick to your budget by using cash envelopes, budgeting apps, or a dedicated dining-out debit card. Keeping track of your spending makes it easier to cut back gradually and intentionally.
Conclusion
Eating out less is one of the simplest ways to save money. By choosing home-cooked meals, planning ahead, and setting limits on restaurant visits, you can lower expenses while still enjoying good food.
The 6-Year Family Budget & Expense Tracker gives you a clear view of how much you save when you cut back on dining out, helping your family stay on track with long-term budgeting goals.
Simplify your budget with the 6-Year Family Budget & Expense Tracker →
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much can I realistically save by eating out less?
You could save anywhere from $100 to $400 per month depending on how often you dine out and the types of meals you replace with home-cooked options.
What are some quick meals I can make at home?
Try stir-fry, grilled cheese sandwiches, pasta dishes, or tacos. They’re easy, inexpensive, and quick to prepare.
What are budget-friendly alternatives to meal kits and takeout?
Instead of ordering takeout or subscribing to pricey meal kits, try freezer-friendly recipes you can prep on weekends. Slow cooker meals and instant pot recipes also make it easy to cook in batches with minimal effort and cost.
How do I stay motivated to cook at home?
Keep meals simple, stock your pantry with staples, and find recipes you enjoy. Make it fun by cooking with family or friends.
How often should I allow myself to eat out without blowing my budget?
Aim for one or two planned meals out each month. This keeps things enjoyable while making sure your budget stays intact. Be intentional and choose places that offer value.
