• New York ranks as the most budget-friendly state for dining out, with the most independent restaurants at 71.8%.
• Standing out with the cheapest dishes is Wisconsin, having an average menu price of $9.74.
• Oregon takes eighth place, with the highest restaurant density, at 281.7 per 100K residents.

Average menu prices have grown 31% since February 2020 and continue climbing monthly, with restaurant prices up 3.8% year-over-year through May 2025. A recent study by Escoffier analyzed dining out data across all the U.S. to identify the most budget-friendly states for foodies. The study compared states across key characteristics, including availability of restaurants, their independence, as well as affordability, reflected by average menu price and household restaurant spending to income ratio. The final score reflects which states offer the most affordable options, while taking into account the larger restaurant industry of each state.

Here is the summary of the findings:

State	Restaurants per 1000 tourists	State FAFH spending per capita	Dominos Med Cheese	Average fast food price	Score
Mississippi	144	$2,930	$13.49	$5.76	99.79
West Virginia	155	$2,597	$12.99	$5.88	92.00
Arkansas	88	$2,896	$12.99	$5.69	91.99
Alabama	101	$2,926	$12.99	$5.72	91.89
Iowa	99	$2,789	$12.99	$5.79	88.93
Oklahoma	111	$3,132	$12.99	$5.79	88.92
Kentucky	84	$3,151	$12.79	$5.71	87.37
Nebraska	81	$3,229	$11.99	$5.59	86.66
Missouri	80	$3,278	$14.99	$6.11	83.96
North Dakota	73	$2,965	$12.99	$5.81	83.22

The most budget-friendly U.S. state for dining out is New York, getting a score of 84, which reflects a wide range of restaurants to choose from. The state stands out with the most independent restaurants, at 71.8%, showcasing a thriving restaurant industry. At the same time, New York is a bit pricier compared to other states in the top 10, with an average menu price of $12.

Connecticut takes 2nd place in the ranking of the most budget-friendly states for foodies, getting a score of 82. Connecticut has more restaurants per capita than New York, with 253.1, but fewer are independent. There are also more affordable options here, with an average menu price of $10.92.

New Jersey ranks in third place, with a score of 80. The household spending on restaurants here is among the lowest in the top 10, with only 6.8% of income, while the menu price averages at $10.3, cheaper than in Connecticut or New York.

Wisconsin holds the fourth position, getting a foodie score of 77. The prices here are the most affordable, with the average menu price of only $9.74, and households spend 6.2% of their income on dining out.

Illinois is fifth on the list of the most budget-friendly foodie states, with a score of 75.7. While Illinois has one of the lowest restaurant availability rates in the ranking, it compensates with affordable pricing. The average menu price is $10.85, and households spend only 8% of their income on restaurants.

Rhode Island follows closely behind Illinois in sixth place, getting a score of 75.5. Rhode Island has the second-highest density of restaurants, at 281.2 per 100K residents, highlighting the wide range of dining options in the state. Over 69% of these restaurants are independently owned, the second-highest rate after New York.

In seventh place is Massachusetts, with a score of 75.2. Similar to Illinois, residents here spend only 8% of their income on dining out, but the restaurant prices are a little more affordable here, averaging $10.72 for the menu.

Oregon ranks eighth, scoring 75, less than a point away from Massachusetts. The state has the highest density of restaurants on the list, closely beating Rhode Island with 281.7 establishments per 100K residents. The prices in Oregon are also cheaper than in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, with an $10.5 average menu price.

Pennsylvania is ninth, getting a score of 73.4. The state stands out with its affordability, with households spending only 7% of their income on restaurants. The menu pricing here is similar to Oregon, and the average menu price in Pennsylvania is $10.55.

Minnesota rounds up the top 10 most budget-friendly states for dining out, with a score of 73.2. The state has the fewest independently owned restaurants in the top 10, with 53.7%, but the chain establishments keep the prices low. On average, households in Minnesota spend only 6.5% on dining out, with an average menu price of $10.69.