1Simple Chicken and Rice
Inputs
Servings4
Chicken Breast2 lbs × $4.99/lb
Rice2 cups × $0.50/cup
Olive Oil2 tbsp × $0.15/tbsp
Result
Total Recipe Cost$11.28
Cost per Serving$2.82
A basic chicken and rice dinner for 4 costs just $2.82 per serving.
Find out exactly how much your recipes cost to make per serving
Total Recipe Cost
$11.28
Cost per Serving
$2.82
Based on 4 servings
| Name | Cost | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | $9.98 | 88.5% |
| Rice | $1.00 | 8.9% |
| Olive Oil | $0.30 | 2.7% |
Inputs
Result
A basic chicken and rice dinner for 4 costs just $2.82 per serving.
Inputs
Result
A hearty pasta feeds 6 for under $1.40 per serving.
Inputs
Result
Even a premium beef stew serves 8 at just $3.32 per serving.
Add up the cost of each ingredient used. For each ingredient, multiply the amount used by its price per unit. Sum all ingredient costs for the total, then divide by the number of servings for the per-serving cost.
Most home-cooked meals cost between $2 and $5 per serving, significantly less than restaurant meals at $12-20+ per serving. Budget-friendly meals with rice, beans, and seasonal vegetables can cost under $1.50 per serving.
Divide the total package price by the number of units it contains. For example, a $3.99 bag of rice with 20 cups yields $0.20 per cup. For items like oil, calculate the cost per tablespoon from the bottle price and total tablespoons.
Yes, cooking at home typically costs 60-80% less per serving than restaurant meals. A home-cooked dinner for four might cost $8-15 total, while the same meal at a restaurant could cost $50-80+ including tip.
Buy in bulk, use seasonal produce, substitute expensive proteins with beans or lentils, shop sales, and plan meals around what you already have. Cooking larger batches and freezing portions also reduces per-serving costs significantly.
Discover more calculators for cooking, baking, and brewing.
Last Updated: Feb 12, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.