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Looking for affordable meal options that won't break the bank? This comprehensive guide will show you the best places to find cheap food near you, from budget-friendly restaurants to grocery stores with amazing deals. Let's dive in!
27 Best Places to Find Cheap Food Near Me [2024 Complete Guide]
You'll discover proven strategies to save money on your next meal while still enjoying delicious food.
1. Costco Food Court
The Costco food court remains unbeatable for value, featuring their famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. Their 18-inch pizza slice costs just $1.99, and a whole pizza is $9.95. While shopping requires membership, many locations allow non-members to access the food court.
2. ALDI
ALDI offers significantly lower prices than traditional grocery stores, with weekly special buys and consistent savings on staple items. Their store-brand products typically cost 40-50% less than name brands while maintaining quality. Don't forget to bring a quarter for the shopping cart!
3. Domino's Pizza
Domino's Mix & Match Deal offers any two menu items for $6.99 each when ordering two or more. Their $7.99 carryout deal for a 3-topping pizza provides excellent value. Join their Piece of the Pie Rewards program for additional savings and free pizza.
4. Dollar General
Dollar General offers groceries, snacks, and household items at competitive prices. Download their app to access digital coupons and receive $5 off $25 purchases on Saturdays. Their private label brand, Clover Valley, provides additional savings.
5. Walmart Grocery
Walmart's everyday low prices and Great Value brand products offer significant savings. Use their app for additional discounts and grocery pickup services. Their price-matching policy helps ensure you get the best deal available.
6. Subway
Subway's $5.99 Footlong of the Day and $4.99 value menu provide filling meals at budget prices. Their MyWay Rewards program offers points toward free subs and exclusive deals through their app.
7. Too Good To Go App
This anti-food waste app connects you with restaurants and stores selling surplus food at deeply discounted prices (usually 1/3 of regular prices). Available in major cities, savings range from 50-75% off retail prices.
8. Dollar Tree
Everything costs $1.25 at Dollar Tree, including frozen meals, canned goods, and snacks. While selection varies by location, you can find name-brand items and basic pantry staples at significant savings.
9. Little Caesars
Famous for their $5.99 Hot-N-Ready pizzas and $3.49 Crazy Bread. Their ExtraMostBestest pizza offers additional toppings for just $1 more. Download their app for exclusive deals and easy ordering.
10. Grocery Outlet
This discount chain offers name-brand products at 40-70% off regular retail prices. Their "NOSH" (Natural, Organic, Specialty, Healthy) section provides healthy options at substantial discounts.
11. Taco Bell
Taco Bell's Value Menu starts at $1, with filling options like Bean Burritos and Cheesy Bean & Rice Burritos. Their app offers exclusive deals and rewards points toward free food.
12. Trader Joe's
While not traditionally considered a budget store, Trader Joe's house-brand products offer excellent value, particularly for specialty items, frozen meals, and produce. Their $3 wine (Two Buck Chuck) is legendary.
13. McDonald's
The McDonald's app offers daily deals like $1 large fries and BOGO offers. Their $1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu provides filling options, and their rewards program offers points toward free food.
14. Local Food Banks
Food banks provide free groceries and sometimes prepared meals. Many don't require proof of income. Use Feeding America's locator to find nearby locations.
15. Ibotta App
Earn cashback on grocery purchases at major retailers. New users typically receive a $10 welcome bonus. Link your loyalty cards for automatic savings and combine with store coupons for maximum discounts.
16. Winn-Dixie Clearance Section
Check clearance sections at Winn-Dixie and similar grocery stores for items marked down 50% or more. Best times are early morning for bread and late evening for meat and produce.
17. Sam's Club Cafe
Similar to Costco, Sam's Club offers affordable food court items like $1.50 hot dog and drink combos, $2.50 pizza slices, and $1.98 pretzels. Membership required but cafe prices beat most fast food.
18. Wendy's
Wendy's 4 for $4 deal includes a sandwich, 4-piece nuggets, fries, and a drink. Their app offers additional deals and a rewards program for free food.
19. 7-Eleven
Download their 7Rewards app for daily deals like $1 coffee and $1 Big Bite hot dogs. Their 7NOW delivery service often offers free delivery promotions and exclusive discounts.
20. Salvation Army Community Centers
Many locations offer free or low-cost community meals. Some centers also provide grocery assistance and meal programs for seniors.
21. Dunkin' Donuts
Join DD Perks for special offers and $1 beverages. Visit near closing time for potential discounts on remaining baked goods. Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm offers special discounted prices.
22. Panera Bread
Join MyPanera rewards for free items and exclusive discounts. Visit in the evening for potential discounts on baked goods. Their Sip Club subscription ($11.99/month) offers unlimited drinks including coffee and tea.
23. Food Delivery Apps During Off-Peak Hours
Use apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats during off-peak hours to find special deals and reduced delivery fees. Check out our guide on how to get free food on DoorDash for more savings tips.
24. Local Ethnic Markets
Asian, Hispanic, and other ethnic markets often offer lower prices on produce, spices, and staple items compared to mainstream grocery stores. They're especially good for buying rice, beans, and fresh vegetables in bulk.
25. Reduced Price Sections
Check your local grocery store's reduced price section for items near their sell-by date. Many stores discount bakery items and produce by up to 50% at the end of the day.
26. College Campus Dining
Many college cafeterias offer affordable meals to the public, especially during off-peak hours or summer breaks. Prices are typically 30-50% lower than comparable restaurants.
27. Community Centers
Local community centers and religious organizations often host free or low-cost community meals. Some may require advance registration or have income requirements.
Money-Saving Apps for Food
- Flashfood: Up to 50% off grocery items nearing their best-by date
- Coupons.com: Digital and printable coupons for grocery stores
- Fetch Rewards: Points for scanning any grocery receipt
Final Words
Finding affordable food options requires a combination of strategies - from using apps and rewards programs to knowing when and where to shop. By implementing these tips and visiting these locations, you can save significantly on your food budget without sacrificing quality. For more money-saving tips, check out our guide on how to save money on groceries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Finding Cheap Food
What are the best days to find food deals?
Tuesday and Wednesday typically offer the best food deals, with many restaurants running mid-week promotions. Additionally, shopping for groceries on Wednesday (when many stores start new weekly deals) or Sunday evenings (when stores mark down perishables) can lead to significant savings.
How can I get the most value from food delivery apps?
To maximize value on food delivery apps, look for free delivery promotions, use new customer discounts, compare prices across multiple apps, and order during off-peak hours when restaurants often offer special deals. Many apps also offer rewards programs and subscription services that can save money for frequent users.
What are the best strategies for saving money at grocery stores?
The most effective strategies include shopping at discount grocers like ALDI, using store loyalty programs and apps, buying generic brands, checking clearance sections, using cashback apps like Ibotta, planning meals around sales, and shopping during off-peak hours when stores mark down perishable items.
