Fast Food vs Cooking
Fast food is slow-draining your wealth
About This Calculator
Calculate the annual and 10-year cost of your fast food habit vs cooking at home.
Enter your actual spending below. The calculator instantly shows your monthly cost, annual cost, and 10-year total adjusted for 3% annual inflation. All calculations happen in your browser — nothing is stored or sent anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does fast food cost per year?
At 5 meals per week averaging $12 each, fast food costs $3,120 per year. Cooking the same meals at home typically costs $2–$4 per meal, saving $2,000–$2,600 per year.
Is fast food really more expensive than cooking?
Yes. A home-cooked meal costs $2–$5 on average vs $10–$15 at a fast food restaurant. The gap widens with meal kits or restaurants — cooking at home is 3–5× cheaper per meal.
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Disclaimer: All calculators on CostXray are for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this site constitutes financial, legal, or investment advice. Default values are based on US averages. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making financial decisions.