This month, WTE has been looking at budgeting from a bunch of different angles, including eating on the cheap with finds from your pantry or budgeting calories. This week, we look at food spending in two cities — Austin, Texas, and Detroit, Michigan — where typical food budgets are so vastly different that one could fit into the other a few times over.

Austin by Victoria With its thriving music and food scene, the Texas capital is growing bigger each year. And despite its low cost of living, the average budget for food and drink is surprisingly large. Guest Eater Vicky checks in with several Austin foodies to learn more about eating out in “the live music capital of the world.”

Detroit by Amy Now for a gritty truth: Five Detroit households could eat for a year on what one Austinite spends on food. The numbers might shock you. Native Michiganian Amy delves deeper into the problems plaguing the Motor City and what’s being done to combat an everyday struggle — hunger.

Worried about saving for a vacation that’s just around the corner? While you’re focused on saving dollars, Sarah turns your attention to saving calories. We all want to look good on the beach, right? With a few simple strategies, it’s not that hard. Continue reading

It’s almost tax time — when many of us are either feeling flush or, more likely, remembering we ought to tighten our belts. If you’re in the latter camp (or even if you’re not), trimming your grocery budget is a smart move. Start with some creative cooking from your pantry, then make a plan to restock smart. Continue reading