[ithinkinstereo]

It's getting harder and harder these days to get a good meal in the US for under $10 all-in w/ tax outside of rural super low COL areas.

In any of the major urban areas in the states, a $5 budget would limit you to various street foods (a couple of tacos, a banh mi, maybe a slice of pizza) or a couple of items from the dollar menu at the various fast food chains. Frankly, your typical airline meal is more filling and nutritious (but not as tasty, unless you're flying a middle eastern or flagship asian airline, of course).

A decent McDonald's meal for example, would blow up your $5 budget pretty easily.