BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — The rising cost of food is a topic that has been discussed at length, and even more so as far as fast food and other restaurants are concerned. Thankfully for those seeking to sample North Dakotan cuisine, dinner out on the town is cheaper in the Peace Garden State than anywhere else in the country — at least, if a new study is anything to go by.

To determine which Americans spend the most and least on restaurant visits, furniture group Seating Masters analyzed data from Numbeo on the average price of both a low-cost single meal and a three-course dinner for two in each state, and averaged these prices before weighing them against one another. Here, it was determined that North Dakotans are some of the cheapest eaters in the nation when it comes to dining out.

On average, an inexpensive meal in North Dakota costs $14.50 per person — an extremely low price compared to other states, and one that is only surpassed by Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. As far as three-course meals for two are concerned, ND’s citizens pay an average of $56.25 – which, strangely, is also the fifth-lowest in the nation.

In contrast to these numbers, states like Massachusetts, Montana, and New Hampshire report much higher prices associated with dining out. This is especially the case in Alaska and Hawaii, which both boast nearly double the cost of a typical meal in North Dakota.

“When dining out,” explains Seating Masters spokesperson Nick Warren, “there are many perks and benefits. The food can be delicious, the experience enjoyable, and it gives you time to relax without worrying about cooking dinner. Eating at new places can also help you explore and try new cuisines you may not have experienced yet. A one-off meal out here and there won’t have detrimental effects on your bank account, but depending on where in the United States you live and how often you eat out, dining out can certainly add up over time.”

With all of that being said, if one does decide to go to a restaurant, it’s best to view their prices and reviews ahead of time to know exactly where they can get the best bang for their buck. For a list of the highest-rated restaurants in Bismarck and Minot , visit their pages on TripAdvisor.

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