Why Eating at Restaurants Is So Expensive Right Now

If it feels like restaurant bills are getting more expensive, you’re not imagining it: The cost of dining out is on the rise even as grocery prices decline.

The latest inflation data shows that prices for food away from home increased by 0.3% from March to April, while food-at-home prices declined by 0.2%. Compared to a year ago, the restaurant index is up 4.1%.

Americans are taking notice. As restaurant prices rise faster than general inflation, 68% of a surveyed group of consumers said they are “trading down from restaurant meals to food from the grocery store,” according to a recent report from Vericast, a marketing firm.

Need help with your credit? Let an expert help!

Credit Repair companies help identify and dispute mistakes on your credit report that could be weighing down your score. Click your state to learn more.

Unlock to Keep Reading

or