The Cheapest Way to Shop for Dinner

A Wash: Tacos

Simple tacos can be fairly cheap to make, but even when you’re talking about more authentically-prepared tacos, the price difference could be negligible depending on where you live, regardless of your preference for delicious cuts of meat you’ll never find at your nearest Taco Bell.

Pre-made price: As little as $2 at some authentic Mexican restaurants in some areas.

Cost to make it at home: About the same, even for a tripe or tongue taco. For instance, one taco could cost a little less than that even if you use a generous amount of tripe, say a quarter-pound, at $2.25 a pound plus 10 cents for a tortilla, 10 cents for cilantro, 5 cents for onion, and 50 cents for guacamole, assuming that these grocery items are available in your area. If some ingredients are difficult for you to find, it could cost you more.