The Cheapest U.S. Cities for Dining Out

One of the best ways to experience a new city is through its local cuisine. And while there are certainly opportunities to splurge, dining out in a new city doesn’t always have to be budget-busting. In fact, some U.S. cities serve up unforgettable meals for a fraction of what you’d pay in pricier places, such as New York, where dinner for two averages $145. To highlight the most affordable dining destinations in the U.S., we turned to Numbeo’s cost-of-living data, which ranked dozens of major North American cities based on the average cost of a three-course meal for two at a midrange restaurant. Here are six of the most affordable U.S. cities for dining out in 2025.

6. St. Louis, Missouri

Average cost of a three-course meal for two: $70

St. Louis boasts a variety of fun local culinary specialties and regional traditions, such as toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake. The city also has its own unique take on barbecue — try out the sweet and tangy sauces for yourself at Mann Meats, winner of Best BBQ in St. Louis in 2025, according to readers of St. Louis Magazine.

Another local favorite is the pizza. The perfect St. Louis-style slice features an extra-thin, crispy crust that is cut into squares and topped with Provel cheese, a local blend made with cheddar, Swiss, and provolone that was invented in St. Louis in 1947. According to readers of St. Louis Magazine, the best place to try this dish is at Imo’s, a family-owned parlor that claims to be the creator of St. Louis-style pizza.

3. Cincinnati, Ohio (tie)

Average cost of a three-course meal for two: $60

USA Today has recognized Cincinnati as one of the country’s top small cities with a big culinary scene — and you don’t have to sacrifice your budget to experience it. If you aren’t familiar with Cincy’s food culture, there’s one dish you must try during your visit: the city’s signature chili. It features meat, bell peppers, and beans, often served over spaghetti noodles or a hot dog. Camp Washington Chili, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant, has been serving this classic dish since 1940.

German cuisine is another prominent influence in the city. For an authentic experience, head to the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, originally settled by working-class German immigrants. These days, it boasts a buzzy craft brewery scene, Findlay Market (the oldest continuously operating market in the city), and nearly 50 eateries.

3. Fort Worth, Texas (tie)

Average cost of a three-course meal for two: $60

If you’re seeking the most affordable dining options in the Dallas area, head west to Fort Worth. Here, the focus is on steaks, barbecue, and Tex‑Mex dishes. For first-time visitors, a trip to the Stockyards is a must. Witness a daily cattle drive, enjoy two-stepping to live country music, and savor authentic local cuisine.

In addition to a culinary scene rooted in tradition, Fort Worth boasts many innovative chefs who are bringing new ideas to the table. For instance, Michelin-starred Le Margot offers “Tex-France” dishes, and local favorite Teddy Wong’s, an upscale Chinese restaurant, won CultureMap‘s Restaurant of the Year award for 2025.

3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (tie)

Average cost of a three-course meal for two: $60

Pittsburgh is another city that’s known for its unique culinary traditions, from topping salads with French fries to hosting a festival dedicated entirely to pickles. The city is home to more than a dozen James Beard Award finalists and boasts plenty of international options, but to experience traditional Pittsburgh cuisine, visit the Original Oyster House, the city’s oldest bar and restaurant, established in 1870.

A staple found at many Pittsburgh establishments, from food trucks to fine dining, is pierogi. Brought here by Eastern European immigrants, this dish consists of large dumplings filled with savory or sweet ingredients, from mashed potatoes and cabbage to blueberries and farmer’s cheese. For a unique pierogi-eating experience, head to Church Brew Works, a modern brewpub inside a renovated church.

2. San Antonio, Texas

Average cost of a three-course meal for two: $67.50

Despite being one of Texas’ most popular tourist towns, San Antonio is surprisingly affordable when it comes to dining, with an average bill for a two-person meal coming in at under $70.

Traditional Tex-Mex dishes are a staple of the San Antonio culinary scene, and the city was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Be sure to try puffy tacos, a local specialty made by frying fresh masa dough rather than using precooked tortillas. This method creates a thicker taco shell, which San Antonio restaurants like Henry’s Puffy Tacos are famous for.

1. Wichita, Kansas

Average cost of a three-course meal for two: $55

Wichita may not be on your radar to visit, but its diverse food scene will surprise you. Even better, the city is recognized as the most affordable city for dining out in the U.S., with an average bill of just $55 for two people. From burgers and breweries to food trucks, fine dining, and a range of international cuisine options, Wichita truly boasts something for everyone.

For outstanding French cuisine, dine at George’s French Bistro, a 2025 semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant. Wichita is also known for its local comfort dishes, including chicken-fried steaks, diner breakfast plates, and locally sourced beef. These dishes are served in classic diners throughout the city — check out highly rated spots such as Doo-Dah Diner and Jimmie’s Diner. And don’t miss out on unique local combinations like chili served with a side of cinnamon rolls, chicken noodle soup atop mashed potatoes, and “bierock,” a flavorful dough pocket of seasoned hamburger, shredded cabbage, and onions. 

About the data: To find the most affordable U.S. cities for dining out, we looked at figures provided by online cost-of-living database Numbeo, which ranked 63 major North American cities based on the average cost of a three-course dinner for two at a midrange restaurant (as opposed to “cheap eats” — a simple meal at a casual restaurant — or fast food). Data is accurate as of writing on September 30, 2025, though frequent updates of Numbeo’s data may lead to some fluctuations.