The size of the family. A family of two, both if whom are working can afford to eat out more often. My second husband and I ate out 5, 6 sometimes 7 days a week. We both worked, made good money and were just too tired to start cooking after a day of hard work. On the other hand, a family of four or five or more, with only one income can't really afford to eat out too often and may do so only once or twice a month, if that, and as a special treat.