This is one thing that is truly wonderful about living over here in all the countries around other than Singapore, which is more expensive than most of the US. I order out and go out to eat for almost every meal and it is cheaper than cooking yourself. This doesn't mean that it is always good but the only way you can ever accomplish an expensive meal here at a restaurant is if you go somewhere super fancy.... and normally those places, while nice, just seem like a waste of money since you spend like a week's worth of regular restaurant purchases on just one meal.

I don't feel like it was always this way in USA. I recall in college being able to go out to with with $10 in my pocket and expect to return home with change. Those days are long gone.