If the conversation is about economics eating at home wins the discussion. A person eats out for other reasons. Social, convenience, variety, laziness, etc. Back when I was relatively poor we had date night once every week or two and that usually involved eating out. I tipped but minimally because that is what we could afford. Now that we are better off (edit: and totally retired from working) we are just spending our kids inheritance. So it is more about wealth distribution. I figure those young working people in the restaurant need a leg up. I tip better now likewise. It is just a change of pace for us and a break from cooking for my wonderful wife. The economics is way down the list of importance.