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Compared to where ? $2 isn't even worth the same, depending of the place you are in the US.

Most people in the US are within a bicycle ride from a Walmart or similar discounter. (New York City is a notable exception). So $5 is has similar buying power throughout the US.

I know because I spent 5 months cycling through the US on a tiny budget.

For calories you would buy ramen noodles. Aim for 2000 calories per day or more. For Vitamins and fibre, buy apples ($1.11 per pound). At least one apple per day. An iceberg lettuce every 10 days or so is a good idea.

What does that average to ? Maybe $5 a day ??

It really comes down to population density. I grew up about 1.5 hours from DC and it was a 25 mile trip to any big box store. In part this is because of how roads are laid out, if you need to get to a bridge that can be a significant detour.

You can't ride a bike everywhere on 2000 calories per day.

So true.

Won't go very far anywhere in the US, but it'll go a bit further around Canton, MS than it will in Houston, TX. But yeah, you're screwed either way.

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