Big picture
Grabbing a bite to eat with family or friends is not only a great way to socialize, it can be a good way to experience a community and support local restaurants.
But dining out can start to feel more like a luxury when the cost drains your budget. Inflation has forced restaurants to significantly raise prices in San Diego County and nationwide over the past few years. The increase has been particularly acute since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this Price of San Diego story, we dig into what’s causing the spike in dining costs at restaurants, and how locals are adapting.
Sticker shock
San Diego ended 2025 with the second highest overall inflation in the US among major metros. Specifically the “prices of food away from home” index rose 2.9% from November 2024. The “prices of food away from home” data includes restaurant, cafeteria, and vending purchases…