Meal Prep vs Eating Out Savings Calculator
Calculate how much you save per week and per year by meal prepping instead of eating out or buying lunch at work.
The Real Cost of Eating Out The average restaurant lunch in the United States costs $12-$18. A homemade meal — even with quality ingredients — typically costs $3-$6. Prepping 5 lunches per week can save $45-$75 weekly, or $2,300-$3,900 per year.
Gross vs Net Savings Gross savings = (Eating Out Cost - Prep Cost) × Meals per Week But meal prepping takes time — and your time has value.
Net savings = Gross Savings - (Prep Hours × Your Hourly Value)
If your time is worth $30/hour and prep takes 3 hours, subtract $90/week from gross savings. For many people, the net savings is still substantial — and the health benefits add further value.
Compounding Savings Annual savings invested at 7% grow significantly over time. $3,000 per year invested for 20 years at 7% = over $123,000.
Tips to Maximize Meal Prep Savings
- Batch cook proteins (chicken, hard-boiled eggs, ground beef) on weekends
- Buy in bulk — unit price per meal drops significantly
- Use frozen vegetables — equally nutritious, much cheaper
- Plan your meals around weekly sales and seasonal produce
- Repurpose leftovers: one roast chicken = 3 different meals