Is street food actually cheaper than cooking?

Usually yes for lunch, no for all meals. A street food lunch costs $2-5, but three street food meals daily adds up to $15-20. Cooking breakfast and some dinners keeps costs down.

How do I find grocery stores in foreign cities?

Download the local version of Google Maps, search for 'supermarket' or 'grocery' in the local language, or ask your accommodation host. Most neighborhoods have small markets within walking distance.

What if I can't cook in my accommodation?

Focus on foods that don't need cooking: bread, cheese, fruit, nuts, yogurt. Many hostels have shared kitchens even if your room doesn't. Food courts and cafeterias become your main hot meal sources.

How much should I budget for one splurge meal?

Plan $25-50 for a nice dinner in expensive cities, $15-25 in mid-range destinations, $8-15 in budget countries. This should be 2-3 times your normal daily food budget.

How to Eat Cheaply While Traveling

You can eat well for $15-25 per day by shopping at grocery stores, eating where locals eat, and avoiding tourist areas. Cook 60% of your meals, eat street food for lunch, and splurge on one local restaurant dinner every few days.

Find accommodation with kitchen access. Book hostels with kitchens, Airbnbs with full kitchens, or hotels with kitchenettes. This single decision cuts your food costs by 50-70%.
Hit the grocery store within 2 hours of arrival. Buy basics immediately: bread, eggs, pasta, rice, local vegetables, and fruit. Stock up on breakfast and snack items first.
Follow the local lunch crowd. Between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, watch where office workers eat. These spots serve filling meals for $3-8. Avoid places with English menus near tourist sites.
Master the 60-30-10 rule. Cook 60% of meals (breakfast, some dinners), eat cheap local food 30% of the time (lunch, street food), splurge on restaurants 10% of the time.
Learn the local cheap eats. Research before you go: food courts, university cafeterias, workers' canteens, and morning markets. Download local food delivery apps for deals.
Time your restaurant visits strategically. Eat your big meal at lunch when many restaurants offer set menus for half the dinner price. Happy hours often include free appetizers.

Is street food actually cheaper than cooking?: Usually yes for lunch, no for all meals. A street food lunch costs $2-5, but three street food meals daily adds up to $15-20. Cooking breakfast and some dinners keeps costs down.
How do I find grocery stores in foreign cities?: Download the local version of Google Maps, search for 'supermarket' or 'grocery' in the local language, or ask your accommodation host. Most neighborhoods have small markets within walking distance.
What if I can't cook in my accommodation?: Focus on foods that don't need cooking: bread, cheese, fruit, nuts, yogurt. Many hostels have shared kitchens even if your room doesn't. Food courts and cafeterias become your main hot meal sources.
How much should I budget for one splurge meal?: Plan $25-50 for a nice dinner in expensive cities, $15-25 in mid-range destinations, $8-15 in budget countries. This should be 2-3 times your normal daily food budget.