“Is spending $50 at a restaurant expensive? What about $80 or even $150? Like most things in life, the answer is relative—it depends on where you are, the type of restaurant you’re visiting, and what you can comfortably afford,” read the report.
While Dallas may not be the least expensive city in the world to eat out, it is the most cost-effective option when considering wages. According to the report, just 0.7% of the average monthly salary is required to cover the cost of a typical mid-range meal. This assumes an average take-home pay of $4,686 per month, and a three-course meal costing $35 per person.
While this report excluded tipping, even if it were accounted for (assuming a 15%-20% tip), Dallas would remain among the most affordable.
In second place is Muscat, Oman. Muscat secured the spot largely because of its relatively low cost of dining. Bern, Switzerland, is the third most cost-effective despite being in one of the world’s most expensive countries. Its impressive affordability ranking is a result of its exceptionally high local wages.
Only two other U.S. cities made the top 10 list:
- 1: Dallas, Texas, U.S.
- 2: Muscat, Oman
- 3: Bern, Switzerland
- 4: Denver, Colorado, U.S.
- 5: Osaka, Japan
- 6: Singapore
- 7: Tokyo, Japan
- 8: Shenzhen, China
- 9: Seoul, South Korea
- 10: Houston, Texas, U.S.