Is it cheaper to cook at home or eat at the pub in Sydney? We put it to the test (2024)

I’m at my local supermarket in Sydney and I’m extra stressed.

Half a cauliflower is on sale for $4.20. A small jar of pesto is $5. And when I get to the checkout, the total is more than I’d been planning to spend at the pub.

It gets me thinking – as supermarkets increase profits and the cost-of-living crisis stretches on – is it actually cheaper to cook at home as a young, childless person? Or could I save money and time eating out?

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I set myself a daunting – and delicious – mission. For one week, I will eat pub specials at a different Sydney venue each night. Then I’ll compare those prices with the cost of preparing the same meal at home using ingredients from one of the two biggest supermarkets, Coles and Woolworths.

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Here’s how it went.

Monday: steak night

People always look for specials in the aisles but they might not do the same when eating out, says Prof Clare Collins, an expert in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Newcastle.

“You might pay $30 and not blink,” she says.

So, naturally, when I see an $18 special of a sirloin steak and chips with a side salad at the East Village Hotel in Darlinghurst, I think: instant bargain.

Is it cheaper to cook at home or eat at the pub in Sydney? We put it to the test (1)

This proves very enjoyable – better than what I could have cooked at home. It’s not cheaper than a home-cooked version but it’s a nice way to start the week – especially if your Sunday hangover prevents you from shopping and meal prepping.

Coles ingredients for two: Coles porterhouse steak two-pack with pepper butter, 500g at $19, Coles 4 leaf salad mix 200g at $3.00, Coles French dressing $0.60 (for 100ml), Coles frozen french fries $2 (for 500g), Coles extra virgin olive oil $1.50 (for 100ml), Coles table salt $0.03 (for 10g), Coles premium mushroom or peppercorn sauce $2 (for 100ml).

Tuesday: schnitty night

The next day a friend and I visit the Willoughby hotel in North Sydney for an $18 chicken schnitzel, hot chips and coleslaw, with a slice of lemon. My friend sums it up as “delicious”, and we both decide we couldn’t make it as crispy at home.

Is it cheaper to cook at home or eat at the pub in Sydney? We put it to the test (2)

Coles ingredients for two: Coles RSPCA approved chicken breast fillet crumb sage & rosemary 400g $18 (for two), McCain’s pub style straight fries $4 (for 500g), Coles kitchen coleslaw salad at $4 (for two), Gravox traditional liquid gravy pouch $2.80, Coles extra virgin olive oil $3.00 (for 200ml), Coles table salt $0.03 (for 10g), one lemon $1.50.

  • Cooking at home: $33.33 for two

  • Pub special: $36 for two

  • Savings: $2.67 cheaper to cook at home

Another option: Lord Dudley in Woollahra offers a $10 schnitty and chips special on Monday nights.

Wednesday: burger night with trivia

Pub specials are pumping across Sydney by the middle of the week, and the Imperial in Erskineville is no exception, offering $15 burgers (truffle mushroom, buttermilk fried chicken or bacon cheeseburger) with a sideof french fries … and trivia.

I go for the vegetarian option and am pleasantly surprised by the generous size of the mushroom. This time my pub meal and my at-home version work out at basically the same price.

Is it cheaper to cook at home or eat at the pub in Sydney? We put it to the test (3)

Woolworths ingredients for two: Woolworths portobello flat mushrooms punnet $8.50, 1/2 cup of plain flour (too cheap to work out), one free range egg $0.80, Woolworths panko bread crumbs $1.05 (for 100g), Woolworths cheese provolone dolce from the deli $4.50 (for 100g), Fehlbergs burger pickles $1.02 (for 100g), Woolworths baby leaf rocket $1.65 (for 60g), Masterfoods garlic & truffle sauce $1.40 (for 100ml), Tip Top Bakery gourmet burger buns $2.75 (for two), Woolworths extra virgin oil $3.37 (for 250ml), McCain pub style extra crispy chips $4 (for 500g), Essentials table salt $0.03 (for 10g).

Thursday: curry night

By now I’m getting pretty sick of hot chips, so I look for flavour and variety, and stumble across a $20 curry night at The Nelson in Bondi Junction. I get the main ingredients from the display sign but borrow from this recipe for spice inspiration. This time, it’s a lot cheaper to eat at home.

Is it cheaper to cook at home or eat at the pub in Sydney? We put it to the test (4)

Woolworths ingredients for two:Woolworths diced lamb 225g $6.50, one brown onion $0.59, one red onion $0.68, mustard oil $0.55 (per 100ml), cumin seeds $0.81 (for 10g), two green chillies $3.80, vegetable oil $0.47 (for 100ml), two potatoes $1.62, one bay leaf $0.12, one cardamon pod $0.31, ginger paste $0.05, garlic paste $0.05, chilli powder $0.12 (for 1g), Essentials table salt $0.03 (for 10g), 1/2 eggplant $0.80, Mission naan bread garlic & herb $2.05 (for two), Woolworths Greek style yoghurt $0.86 (for 200ml), coriander (too cheap to calculate). Yellow rice: Sunrice microwave basmati rice $4 (for two), Woolworths turmeric ground $0.38 (for 10g), garlic paste $0.05, Essentials salted butter $0.74 (for 50g), one cardamon pod $0.31.

  • Cooking at home: $24.89 for two

  • Pub special: $40 for two

  • Savings: $15.11 cheaper to eat in. Might stick to eating curries at home.

Another option: Cauliflower hotel in Waterloo does a $16 curry night on Tuesdays.

Friday: fish and chips night

It’s Friday! And what better way to enter the weekend than with a classic Friday pub deal – $14 fish and chips at Hotel Regent in Redfern.

This time, the pub is cheaper – and who has the energy to deep-fry whiting after knocking off anyway?

Is it cheaper to cook at home or eat at the pub in Sydney? We put it to the test (5)

Coles ingredients for two: Birds Eye frozen deli New Zealand whiting crisp light batter fillets $10, one carrot $0.42, one green cucumber $2.50, one quarter red cabbage $1.42, Coles grape perino tomatoes $1.95, Coles 4 leaf salad mix 200g at $3.00, one lemon $1.50, McCain’s pub style straight fries $4 (for 500g), Coles table salt $0.03 (for 10g), Coles extra virgin olive oil $1.50 (for 100ml), Heinz seriously good garlic lovers aioli mayonnaise $3.72 (for 200ml).

  • Cooking at home: $30.04 for two

  • Pub special: $28 for two

  • Savings: $2 cheaper to eat out

Sunday: roast dinner

I have a lovely time going out for a roast and wine for $30 at the Native Rose hotel in Rozelle – even if it would have been cheaper to cook. The beef brisket is tender and tasty, the vegetables are a colourful palette on my plate and the Yorkshire pudding is an unexpected delight.

Collins is also a big believer in pub roast veggies: “You can get different veggies and probably a bigger variety than what you would have made at home.”

Is it cheaper to cook at home or eat at the pub in Sydney? We put it to the test (6)

Woolworths ingredients for two: Macro beef rump roast $14, two potatoes $1.62, 1/2 cauliflower $2.95, snow peas medium $4.70 (for 150g), one onion $0.59, two yorkshire puddings $1.80, Essentials table salt $0.03 (for 10g), Essentials salted butter $0.74 (for 50g), Woolworths extra virgin oil $2.70 (for 200ml), Gravox traditional liquid gravy pouch $3.

  • Cooking at home: $32.13 for two

  • Pub special: $44 for two

  • Savings: $11.87 cheaper cooking at home

Another option: Royal Oak hotel in Parramatta offers a Sunday roast for $24 (except on game nights).

My findings

By the end of the week I’ve learned two things: it’s not always cheaper to recreate a pub meal at home for two people and eating pub meals every day is not the best way to live.

In total, I spent $107 for my own six meals. That might sound relatively cheap, but I had no leftovers and also felt as if I had eaten a month’s worth of potato in three days.

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Gary Sacks, co-director of the Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition at Deakin University, says: “For young people, often the convenience and price trumps the healthiness.”

And as Collins points out, healthy eating at home only works when you plan ahead. One key challenge, she says, is having those pantry staples.

But on the positive: I found pub deals can still be an affordable and enjoyable way for young people to socialise with partners or friends – in moderation.

“I think there’s a midway point between never going out and eating really, really, cheap,” Collins says.

“You don’t have to never ever go out but you’ll enjoy it more and get better value from your hard-earned dollars if you work out your budget beforehand.”

Is it cheaper to cook at home or eat at the pub in Sydney? We put it to the test (2024)

FAQs

Is it cheaper to make food at home or eat out? ›

For those who want a quick and easy answer: It's generally cheaper to cook food at home than eat out. The reason so many people can get stuck on the question is the human psychology variable. People don't always spend wisely, and it isn't as if prices are always the same at a supermarket or a fast food restaurant.

Is it cheaper to eat out or cook in Australia? ›

It is by far easier and cheaper to cook at home, for best money saving, IN BULK. This is how the restaurant food you are eating is lower cost. Sometimes you have to live on the same diet for a long time so plan ahead for variety.

Does it cost more to cook at home? ›

If you're looking to save money and improve your diet, cooking at home is likely the better option. To make cooking more manageable, consider meal planning, batch cooking, and using cost-effective recipes.

Does cooking at home save money? ›

Reduced eating-out costs: If you cook at home more often, you'll likely eat out less frequently. Eating out is almost always more expensive than cooking at home, so cutting back on restaurant meals can help you save a significant amount of money over time.

Is home chef cheaper than eating out? ›

Frequently asked questions about Home Chef

Purchasing Home Chef is generally cheaper than eating out, especially if you like to eat out frequently. Home Chef meals are priced at just under $10 per serving, which is less than you would pay for most takeout meals today.

How much money can you save by not eating out? ›

If you are like us, or like the typical American family, just cutting one meal out per week can save you $520-$1560 per year! Here are some things that have helped us to significantly lower our eating out budget: 1. Plan a Menu.

Is it expensive to eat in Sydney? ›

Eating out: Eating out in Sydney is relatively expensive, and depending on the type and quality of restaurant you choose, a meal could cost between A$20-50. If you dine out frequently, your monthly catering costs could be between AUD$800-1500.

How to eat cheap travelling in Australia? ›

Here are 10 tips on eating your way around Oz on a shoestring:
  1. Special offers. Some restaurants offer mid-week specials and cheaper degustation offers, so look out for these. ...
  2. Go Asian. ...
  3. Markets. ...
  4. Pub grub. ...
  5. Cheap Chains. ...
  6. Hostels. ...
  7. Drink Goon. ...
  8. Cook from scratch.

Why is food so expensive in Sydney? ›

Australian supermarkets are really expensive. In the 12 months to August 2023, food prices across Australia rose 7.5 per cent, while farmers say they're getting shortchanged on their stock, workers strike for better pay and Coles and Woolworths rake in record profits amid a cost of living crisis.

How much should a meal cost cooking at home? ›

Studies consistently show that cooking at home is dramatically cheaper than eating out. On average, a home-cooked meal costs around $4-$6 per person, while a restaurant meal can set you back $15-$20 or more. That's a difference of at least $10 per meal, which can add up quickly, especially if you eat out frequently.

Is it better to cook at home or to eat at restaurant? ›

In general, restaurant meals tend to be higher in calories, sodium, and saturated fats. Additionally, cooking at home is the more affordable option compared to dining at a restaurant or ordering takeout. Experts recommend experimenting in the kitchen to increase your comfort with making your meals at home.

What is the most cost effective way to cook food? ›

Using slow cookers, microwaves and air fryers when you can, are all great options for low-maintenance, low-cost, low-carbon cooking. Microwaves: When it comes to cooking quickly and cheaply, microwaves are going to be your best friend.

How much cheaper is cooking at home than eating out? ›

Facts & Findings. Americans save around $12 by opting to cook and eat at home, with the average home meal costing $4.23 versus over $16 per meal at an inexpensive restaurant.

What are the disadvantages of cooking at home? ›

The Drawbacks of Home Cooking
  • Time and Effort. Cooking at home is labor-intensive. From prepping the ingredients to the actual cooking and cleaning afterward, it's a time-consuming process that not everyone can afford.
  • Cost of Ingredients. High-quality, raw, or organic ingredients can be expensive.
Sep 3, 2023

How can we spend less money by eating a home cooked meal? ›

5 ways to save money cooking at home when the budget is tight
  1. 1Shop your pantry.
  2. 2Stretch affordable ingredients over multiple meals.
  3. 3Take advantage of your freezer.
  4. 4Compare prices.
  5. 5Buy convenience foods with the most bang for your buck.
Jan 19, 2024

Is making your own food cheaper than fast food? ›

Average price according to USDA for home cooked: $2.17 https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/gallery... Fast food is typically much more expensive than home cooked from scratch and people have very confused ideas about this.

Is it cheaper to make lunch at home? ›

Usually it's cheaper to make lunch at home instead of buying food out and about. But over the last year, staple lunchtime ingredients have gone up in price at the supermarket. We've gathered some top tips on how to keep costs down when making a packed lunch for work, school or a day trip.

Is it better to buy food or make food? ›

Homemade food typically contains fewer additives and preservatives than store bought products. This means that you can be sure your family is getting healthier, more nutritious meals when you cook them yourself. Store bought options may contain unhealthy ingredients or too much sodium or sugar for your liking.

Why is homemade food better than fast food? ›

One of the primary benefits of home-cooked meals is the control they provide. When you cook at home, you have complete control over what goes into your food, including the quality of ingredients, the amount of salt, sugar, and fat, and the cooking methods used.

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