No.
The average price to eat out is not $28 in any state, including South Dakota.
Canadian businessman and television personality Kevin O’Leary sparked a national debate after saying young people overspend on meals instead of saving and investing.
“I can’t stand it when I see kids that are making 70 grand a year and spending $28 dollars on lunch,” he said.
The telehealth company Top Nutrition Coaching compared the cost of eating out to the cost of eating in for the most populated city in each state. It found that in South Dakota, the cost of eating out at a more affordable restaurant was $14.75. In contrast, the cost of eating in was $4.18, a difference of $10.57.
Nationwide, the average cost to eat out was $16.28 versus $4.23 to eat in. That’s almost four at-home meals for every one restaurant meal.
This fact brief responds to claims such as this one.
Sources
Top Nutrition Coaching: The cost of eating out versus eating in by state
US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Consumer Price Index — April 2026
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