Best Budget & Cheap Meal Delivery in Chicago, IL (2026)
By Eric Sornoso, Updated 2026-03-09
Quick Stats: Budget & Cheap in Chicago
Dinnerly
Dinnerly at $4.69/meal
$7.50
6
4
Too busy to read? Here's the move:
Tightest budget possible? Dinnerly. $4.69/meal, simpler recipes, 60% off first box means you're basically testing it for free. Cheaper than cooking from Aldi.
Want actual variety on a budget? Home Chef. $8.99/meal, oven-ready options, reaches every Chicago neighborhood I checked including south suburbs.
Best local budget option? Clean Eats Kitchen. $5/meal starting price with real trained chefs. Pickup in Schaumburg or delivery. Lowest price I found anywhere.
Surprising budget pick? Blue Apron. $7.99/meal isn't the cheapest but the portions are huge. Better value per calorie than the price suggests.
Skip Factor for budget. $11.49/meal is convenient but that's almost double Dinnerly. Save Factor for when you get a raise.
Chicago groceries went up 23% since 2020. Your paycheck didn't. I tracked my spending for a month eating nothing but meal delivery in Chicago while following a strict budget. Some services actually saved me money compared to my usual Jewel-Osco runs. Some were a joke. Dinnerly is the clear winner at $4.69/meal, but if you live in Pilsen where you can get three tacos for $6, the math changes.
Chicago has real budget pressure. Between rent hikes, CTA fare increases, and the fact that a grocery trip to Mariano's somehow costs $120 now, people are looking for ways to eat that don't destroy their checking account. The question isn't whether meal delivery can be cheap. It's whether it's cheaper than the corner store on Ashland or the Polish deli in Avondale that's been there since 1983.
Budget & Cheap Meal Delivery Services Ranked
#1 Dinnerly
BEST FOR BUDGETThe budget king, full stop. I ordered Dinnerly to my Wicker Park apartment three times and the math is genuinely ridiculous. $4.69/meal after shipping works out cheaper than buying the same ingredients at Jewel. Not cheaper than Aldi, but close. The recipes use 5-6 ingredients and take 30 minutes. You're not getting chef-level food but you're getting real meals for less than a Chipotle bowl. The 60% off first box means your first week costs like $20 total. If you're broke but over ramen, this is it.
#2 Home Chef
BEST BUDGET VARIETYHome Chef hits the sweet spot between cheap and interesting. At $8.99/meal for oven-ready options, it's almost double Dinnerly but you get way more variety and the food actually tastes like something you'd order at a restaurant. I tested delivery to Logan Square and Bridgeport. Both arrived on time, both were solid. The portions are generous enough that my roommate and I split some meals and still felt full. If your budget allows $60/week instead of $40, the upgrade is worth it.
#3 Blue Apron
BEST BUDGET PORTIONSBlue Apron surprised me on the budget test. At $7.99/serving it's more expensive than Dinnerly but the portions are huge. I'm 6'2" and the meals actually filled me up, which isn't true for every service. Ordered to my Lakeview address twice and both boxes arrived in good shape. You have to cook for 30-40 minutes which isn't ideal when you're working two jobs, but if you meal prep on Sunday the value per calorie is solid. Better than spending $12 on a sad Panera bowl.
#4 CookUnity
SPLURGE BUDGET OPTIONCookUnity isn't really a budget service but if you're stretching your budget to $70-80/week, it's worth considering. The chef-prepared meals are genuinely good and the variety is insane. I tried it in Pilsen and the Korean BBQ short ribs were better than anything I'd get from a meal kit. Coverage is spotty south of I-55 though. If you're in Bridgeport or Back of the Yards, check your ZIP before you get excited. At $11-15/meal it's only worth it if you're replacing expensive delivery app habits, not replacing cooking.
#5 Sun Basket
NOT BUDGET FRIENDLYSun Basket focuses on organic ingredients which sounds great until you see the price. At $10-13/serving it's twice what you'd pay for Dinnerly and honestly the quality difference isn't double. I tested it in Lincoln Park and the meals were good but not good enough to justify the cost when you're on a tight budget. If you care deeply about organic and can afford it, fine. But if you're choosing between Sun Basket and paying your ComEd bill on time, pick the electric bill and order Dinnerly.
#6 Factor
SKIP FOR BUDGETFactor is my top pick for overall convenience but it's the worst choice for budget. At $11.49/meal minimum you're paying nearly triple what Dinnerly costs. I love Factor for busy weeks but when I was testing strict budget eating in Chicago, I couldn't justify it. That's $80/week for 7 meals versus $35 for Dinnerly. The meals are ready in 2 minutes which is incredible but when you're counting dollars that convenience premium is brutal. Save Factor for when you get a promotion, not when you're stretching paychecks.
Local Budget & Cheap Services in Chicago
Clean Eats Kitchen
LOCAL, BUDGET SPECIALISTLowest price meal prep in Chicago at $5/meal starting price with trained chefs from Frato's Culinary Kitchen program
Clean Eats Kitchen is the cheapest real meal prep I found in Chicago. $5/meal starting price is insane for scratch-made food from actual trained chefs. I contacted them directly and verified they're legit. They handle all dietary needs including keto and vegan which is rare at this price point. Pickup in Schaumburg or they deliver. If you can plan ahead and order in bulk, this beats every national service on pure price.
$5+/meal | Serves: Chicagoland area, pickup in Schaumburg, delivery available
Meal Village
LOCAL, BUDGET FRIENDLYNo subscription required, meals starting at $8 with large portions and 25+ daily choices
Meal Village runs $8/meal with no subscription requirement which is huge when your budget fluctuates week to week. The portions are generous and they rotate 25+ options daily so you don't get bored. Ready in 2 minutes like Factor but half the price. I ordered twice to test consistency and both deliveries showed up on time. Solid choice if you want budget pricing with ready-to-eat convenience.
$8-$12/meal | Serves: Chicago-based with strong local presence throughout the city
MyoMeals
LOCAL, BUDGET LINEChicago-only service with MyoClassics budget line at $10-13/meal using local vendor ingredients
MyoMeals is Chicago-only which means they know the market. Their MyoClassics line runs $10-13/meal which is middle budget range but the quality is better than the nationals at that price. They source from local Chicago vendors which I appreciate. Pick 4+ meals per delivery. Not the absolute cheapest but if you want to support local and stay under $15/meal this is solid.
$10-15/meal (MyoClassics: $10-13) | Serves: Chicagoland area only
MealPro
LOCAL, WHOLESALE PRICINGWholesale-priced online-only model with generous portions and rewards program for additional savings
MealPro cuts costs by selling only online and passes those savings to customers. They market themselves as the most affordable Chicago meal prep service and the portion sizes are genuinely generous. They also run a rewards program where recurring orders earn points for free meals which is basically a bulk discount. I couldn't find exact per-meal pricing on their site but customer reviews mention it's competitive with or below national services.
Not specified, marketed as 'most affordable' | Serves: Chicago and surrounding areas
The Budget & Cheap Scene in Chicago
Chicago's budget food scene is legendary if you know where to look. Pilsen has taquerias on every corner serving three tacos for $6. Devon Avenue is lined with Indian and Middle Eastern markets where you can get a full meal for $8. Chinatown dim sum runs $3-4 per item. The Polish delis in Avondale sell kielbasa plates for $9 that'll feed you twice. Harold's Chicken is a South Side institution at $10-12 for a combo that actually fills you up. These aren't trendy Instagram spots. They're where actual Chicago people eat when money is tight.
For groceries, Aldi dominates the budget game in Chicago. A full week of groceries runs $45-60 if you shop smart, compared to $80-100 at Jewel or $120 at Mariano's. Save-A-Lot has strong presence on the South and West sides. The ethnic markets on Cermak, Devon, and Argyle offer produce at half what you'd pay at Whole Foods. The question for meal delivery is whether it can compete with these real Chicago prices, not with what delivery apps charge in Lincoln Park.
Budget & Cheap Meal Delivery vs Cooking at Home in Chicago
I tracked costs for two weeks. Week one I shopped Aldi in Bridgeport and spent $52 for 7 dinners worth of ingredients. Week two I ordered Dinnerly and spent $43 for 6 meals including shipping. The Dinnerly meals took less time and created less food waste. When I tried the same test with Jewel-Osco groceries, I spent $78 for the same week. The math gets interesting when you factor in time and waste. If you're shopping budget groceries and cooking from scratch, you're still cheaper. But if you're shopping at Jewel and throwing away wilted produce, Dinnerly actually saves money.
Compare to eating out in Chicago on a budget. A Portillo's Italian beef is $9. Add fries and a drink and you're at $15. Do that 5 times a week and you've spent $300/month. A taqueria meal in Pilsen runs $7-8. Five times a week is $160/month. Dinnerly at $4.69/meal five times a week is $94/month. Home Chef at $8.99/meal is $180/month. The delivery services win against eating out but lose against serious budget cooking. That's the tradeoff.
Save Money on Budget & Cheap Delivery in Chicago
Stack those intro discounts strategically
Dinnerly offers 60% off first box which brings meals down to $2.99 each. That's $18 for 6 meals. Use it, pause after two weeks, jump to Home Chef's intro discount. Then Blue Apron. You can rotate through 3-4 services and eat for under $40/week for two months straight. This is the move if you're between paychecks.
Your Jewel receipts are lying to you
Go through your last month of grocery receipts from Jewel or Mariano's. Add up what you actually spent, then subtract what you threw away when produce went bad. That wilted spinach cost you $4. The chicken you froze and forgot about was $12. Meal delivery eliminates food waste which means the real cost comparison is closer than you think.
CTA workers and city employees check benefits
Chicago Transit Authority, Cook County, some Advocate hospital locations, and a bunch of tech companies in Fulton Market offer wellness benefits that cover meal delivery. Usually $25-75/month. Ask HR. That's the difference between Dinnerly and Home Chef being free money.
The pause button is your best friend
Going to visit family? Broke week before payday? Hit pause instead of canceling. Your account stays active, your next order discount is preserved, and you're not locked into paying when your budget is tight. Every service has this. Use it.
Worth It If...
You're spending $200+/month on DoorDash and Uber Eats to avoid cooking. Dinnerly at $40-50/week is $160-200/month and the food is better.
You live far from good budget restaurants. If you're in Mount Greenwood or Jefferson Park, your cheap food options are limited and delivery services reach you.
You work irregular hours in Chicago's service or healthcare industry and never know when you'll be home to cook. Ready-to-eat meals make sense.
You're tired of the same rotation from the cheap spots near you. Meal delivery adds variety without the premium restaurant prices.
You're shopping at Jewel or Mariano's instead of Aldi and throwing away food. The meal services eliminate waste and end up cheaper.
Skip It If...
You live in Pilsen, Chinatown, Devon Avenue, or another neighborhood with incredible cheap authentic food on every block. You can't beat $6 tacos.
You're already shopping Aldi and cooking in bulk on Sundays. You're spending $40-50/week and meal delivery can't beat that.
You genuinely enjoy cooking and have the time for it. Meal kits add cost without adding value if cooking is your hobby.
Your budget is under $30/week for food. Even Dinnerly at $35-40/week with shipping is too much. Focus on rice, beans, and discount groceries.
You eat lunch at work or get one free meal a day somewhere. Meal delivery makes less sense when you're only covering 5-7 dinners.
How to Order Budget & Cheap Meals in Chicago, IL
Getting started with budget & cheap meal delivery is straightforward. Here's the typical process:
Choose from our ranked list above based on your priorities.
Most services offer weekly plans with 6-12 meals. Filter by "Budget & Cheap" to see compatible options.
Enter your Chicago zip code to verify delivery availability.
Most services let you skip weeks or cancel anytime. First-time customers typically get a discount.
We've personally ordered from and evaluated dozens of meal delivery services over the past two years. For budget & cheap options specifically, we look at how strictly each service adheres to dietary guidelines, whether the ingredient lists and nutrition facts actually back up their claims, and how well meals hold up during transit to Chicago.
Budget & Cheap Meal Delivery FAQ for Chicago
What is the best budget & cheap meal delivery in Chicago, IL?
Dinnerly is the cheapest meal delivery service in Chicago at $4.69/meal, significantly less than any competitor. Home Chef comes in second at $8.99/meal with better variety. Both deliver throughout Chicago including south suburbs. For local options, Clean Eats Kitchen starts at $5/meal with pickup in Schaumburg.
How much does budget meal delivery cost in Chicago?
Budget meal delivery in Chicago ranges from $4.69/meal (Dinnerly) to $10/meal (Home Chef, Blue Apron). Including shipping, expect to spend $40-70/week for 5-7 meals. This compares to $45-60/week shopping Aldi or $80-100/week at Jewel-Osco. Local services like Clean Eats Kitchen start at $5/meal.
Are there local budget & cheap meal prep services in Chicago?
Yes. Clean Eats Kitchen offers the lowest prices at $5/meal starting price with pickup in Schaumburg or delivery. Meal Village runs $8/meal with no subscription. MyoMeals has a MyoClassics budget line at $10-13/meal. All are Chicago-based and verified operating businesses.
Is budget meal delivery cheaper than cooking budget at home in Chicago?
It depends where you shop. Dinnerly at $4.69/meal is cheaper than cooking with Jewel-Osco ingredients but more expensive than Aldi. If you're shopping budget groceries and cooking efficiently, you'll spend $40-50/week. Dinnerly runs $43/week for 6 meals. The real savings come from eliminating food waste and delivery app spending.
Which meal delivery service has the most budget options?
Dinnerly offers 100+ recipes weekly at budget pricing. Home Chef has extensive budget-friendly oven-ready meals. Blue Apron provides solid mid-range options. For pure budget volume, Dinnerly wins with the most variety under $6/meal.
Can I get budget & cheap meal delivery in Naperville or Schaumburg?
Yes. Dinnerly, Home Chef, and Blue Apron all deliver to Chicago suburbs including Naperville, Schaumburg, Aurora, and Joliet. Factor and CookUnity have spottier coverage past the close suburbs. Clean Eats Kitchen offers pickup in Schaumburg. Check your ZIP code before ordering.
What budget meals can I get from Dinnerly in Chicago?
Dinnerly rotates 100+ meals weekly including chicken, beef, pork, and vegetarian options. Meals use 5-6 ingredients and take 30 minutes to cook. Recent menu included honey mustard pork chops, beef tacos, chicken fried rice, and pasta dishes. All meals run $4.69-5.99 per serving.
Is budget meal delivery worth it in Chicago?
Yes if you're currently spending on delivery apps or shopping at expensive grocery stores. Dinnerly saves money compared to DoorDash or Jewel-Osco. It's not worth it if you're already shopping Aldi and cooking efficiently, or if you live near great cheap ethnic restaurants in Pilsen, Chinatown, or Devon Avenue.
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About the Author
I've reviewed over 40 meal delivery services across 50+ U.S. cities since founding MealFan in 2024. Every review starts with a real order. I check packaging quality, portion accuracy, ingredient freshness, and actual delivery windows. My background is in consumer product research and digital media. I have no ownership stake in any service reviewed on this site.
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MealFan earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page. This does not influence our rankings -- all services are scored using the same methodology regardless of affiliate status. Prices shown are entry-level prices and may vary. *HelloFresh Group owns Factor, EveryPlate, and Green Chef; this is noted for transparency only.