Can I Afford a Personal Chef?

Hiring a personal chef might sound like a luxury reserved for celebrities or millionaires—but the truth is, it can be a smart, affordable choice for busy families and professionals. If you’re constantly stretched thin, eating takeout more than you’d like, or watching groceries go to waste, a personal chef might be exactly what you need. Let’s break it down.

The Hidden Costs of DIY Meals

Most people think they’re saving money by doing all the cooking themselves—but there are plenty of hidden costs we often forget to count.

1. Wasted Groceries:
Be honest—how often do you throw away food you meant to cook but didn’t? Half a bag of spinach here, a container of sour cream there, maybe even that salmon you bought with good intentions. It adds up fast. According to the USDA, the average American household wastes over $1,500 a year on unused groceries.

2. Time is Money:
Every trip to the store takes time: planning your meals, making a list, navigating the aisles, waiting in line. Then there’s the cooking itself—not to mention the dishes afterward. If you value your time at even $25/hour (and many of us should value it more), the weekly cost of feeding yourself or your family adds up fast. A personal chef handles all of that—menu planning, shopping, cooking, and cleaning.

3. Mental Load:
Tired of Googling “easy healthy dinner” every night? Or scrolling through Pinterest while you're already too exhausted to cook? Decision fatigue is real. A personal chef takes that burden off your plate (literally), bringing you a thoughtfully crafted menu that fits your tastes, dietary needs, and lifestyle.

What You Get With a Personal Chef

When you hire a personal chef, you're not just paying for food—you're investing in peace of mind, health, and time freedom. Here’s what a typical weekly service includes:

  • Custom menu planning

  • Grocery shopping

  • In-home meal prep

  • Clean-up

  • Ready-to-eat meals tailored to your taste

For around $450 per week (plus groceries), most clients receive 3 full entrees with 4–5 portions each—over 12 high-quality meals. That’s plenty for lunches and dinners for the whole week.

The Emotional Value

Coming home to a fridge stocked with delicious, homemade meals feels like a weight lifted. No stress, no mess, and no more “what’s for dinner?” Just real food, made for you.

Many families find they eat out less, waste less food, and feel less stressed—so while a personal chef may sound like a luxury, it’s actually an investment in your health, your time, and your sanity.

So, can you afford a personal chef?
The better question might be: Can you afford not to?

Stephanie Heller