Direct answer: Estimates vary by source and method, but recent data suggest the average American household spends roughly $2,500 to $5,800 per year on dining out, with commonly cited figures around $2,800 to $3,000 per year per household for restaurant and takeout meals. The wide range reflects differences in data sources, definitions (dining out vs. takeout), and sample periods, as well as inflation and shifts in eating habits. Context and typical ranges

• Annual spending per household:
  • Some consumer surveys reported around $2,500–$2,800 per year for dining out per person or per household, depending on whether the measure is per household or per person and whether takeout is included [sources vary widely, with common points around this band].

* Other reports, especially those aggregating Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer expenditure data or large poll results, have shown higher ranges, often $3,000+ per year per household when including takeout.

• Monthly perspective:
  • A frequently cited range converts to about $200–$300 per month per household for dining out/takeout in many surveys, though some reports show lower or higher monthly totals depending on the sample.

• Variability by demographics and region:
  • Spending tends to be higher in urban or higher-income households and lower in rural or tighter-budget households, with regional cost-of-living differences impacting dining-out expenses.

Notes on interpretation

• “Dining out” definitions vary: some sources count only restaurant meals, others include takeout and delivery, and some use per-person estimates while others use per-household figures. This can markedly shift the reported totals.

• Inflation and trends can push annual figures up over time; 2023–2024 data showed notable increases in average spend per dining-out occasion due to menu price inflation.

• Recent media and industry roundups sometimes cite higher or lower numbers based on the specific survey or methodology used. Always check the exact definition and year when comparing figures.

If you’d like, I can narrow to a specific definition (restaurant meals only vs. include takeout), a precise year, and a preferred geography (national, state, metropolitan area) to give a tighter estimate.