WA crowned as most expensive state to dine out, new study finds

A new study has revealed that Washington is the most expensive state in which to dine out.

According to the Washington Hospitality Association , eating out at chain restaurants in Washington costs 13.6% more than the national average. Seattle is even more expensive.

“Menu prices in Seattle are more than 17% higher than the average for the 20 largest cities in America, putting Seattle in line with New York City and San Francisco,” the study read.

The most expensive states are located primarily on the West Coast, as Oregon (+9.1%) and California (+13.3%) were the most expensive places to eat at a chain restaurant or establishment. In contrast, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana were the least expensive — each state falling between 5.8-5.9% the national average — followed by Texas (-5.3%),