SummitPlate Family Dinner Cost Index

Grocery vs restaurant cost trend

Latest compilation: September 2026. Official data through Latest BLS food price data available as of September 3, 2026: July 2026; USDA ERS August 2026 Food Price Outlook Summary Findings. BLS August 2026 CPI is scheduled for September 11, 2026. Home and takeout dinner figures are SummitPlate planning estimates.

Home vs takeout spread

$36.10

Food at home

+3.1%

since Apr 25

Restaurants

+4.4%

since Apr 25

Home dinner / 4

$17.40

SummitPlate estimate

Takeout / 4

$53.50

SummitPlate estimate

Apr 25May 25Jun 25Jul 25Aug 25Sep 25Nov 25Dec 25Jan 26Feb 26Mar 26Apr 26May 26Jun 26Jul 26
Food at home CPI, indexed to 100 in Apr 25Food away from home CPI, indexed to 100 in Apr 25
Recent Family Dinner Cost Index rows with CPI readings and dinner estimates
MonthFood at homeAway from homeHome / 4Takeout / 4
February 2026318.898391.706$17.30$52.80
March 2026318.755392.652$17.30$52.90
April 2026320.859393.546$17.40$53.00
May 2026321.047394.728$17.40$53.20
June 2026321.631395.633$17.40$53.30
July 2026321.643396.859$17.40$53.50