How Much Is a Lifetime of Takeout Really Costing Couples?

Takeout feels harmless. After all, a Friday night pizza here or a midweek sushi order there feels like a nice treat. Especially after a long week, the cost of takeout seems minimal compared to the hassle of cooking a meal. But over the decades, those convenience meals add up to staggering amounts. For couples, the lifetime price tag might surprise you.

It’s easy to overlook how frequently those small indulgences turn into a regular habit. Busy schedules, work commitments, and family demands make cooking at home feel like a chore. Add in the convenience of apps and delivery services, and takeout becomes the go-to option more often than we realize. What starts as an occasional convenience slowly transforms into a major household expense that can seriously affect long-term financial goals.

The Annual Bite

In the U.S., the average household spends $3,228 per year on eating out and takeout combined. This number fluctuates based on how many people are in your household and what kind of food you’re ordering, of course. Many Americans are eating at least 4.5 commercially prepared meals per week. One couple found that they spent $30,000 on eating out and takeout in a year. That money could be going toward savings, debt repayment, or even dream vacations. Instead, it’s funding DoorDash deliveries.

Why do we spend so much on takeout? Research has found that only 10% of Americans like to cook. Plus, lack of time is always an issue for busy Americans. Data shows that 66% of Americans don’t have a work-life balance. So, eating a home-cooked meal may not be a priority.

The 50-Year Tally

Stretch that yearly cost over 50 adult years, from age 30 to 80, and couples can expect to spend around $161,400 on takeout alone. In states where dining is more expensive, such as Massachusetts, the number is even higher. The average spent on takeout in this state is $4,800 per year. That’s $240,000 over a lifetime of 50 adult years. That could purchase a house in some areas!

Not Just an American Trend

There’s no doubt that Americans order a lot of takeout. But around the world, many people enjoy the convenience as well. In the UK, adults spend about £60 a month on takeout. Over an 80-year lifespan, that’s roughly £51,000 per person. While the totals differ by region, the pattern is clear. Convenience food drains long-term finances everywhere.

The Takeout Trade-Off Question

The real cost of takeout isn’t just in dollars; it’s in opportunity. That $25 Thai delivery might feel minor now, but repeated hundreds of times a year, it’s the difference between a robust retirement account and living paycheck to paycheck. Occasional takeout is a treat. Make it a habit, and it becomes one of the most expensive bills you never realized you were paying.

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