If you fully measure the output (benefit) vs cost, the numbers don’t look so bad.

For example, it is known that nutrient value in produce drops at an astonishing rate over time; so having locally grown food that you can pick and eat immediately means you’ll get vastly more benefit, beyond just calories and fiber.

Also, when supply chains get disrupted and your grocery has empty shelves, you still have good, healthy food.

You’re also reducing transportation effects, which is to say you are having a less negative impact on the environment.

Most of what we put prices on are ignoring real costs.

I wouldn’t grow food hydroponically to save money, but growing food can get you really nice sweet varieties with stronger flavor than you can get in stores (since you can pick them at your convenience).

That said, I prefer growing outdoors if you have the space. It’s a total different maintenance (with way more bugs) but it also doubles as decor better than my hydroponic setup ever could.

Fresh produce is pretty inexpensive here for the most part. But fresh herbs (like thyme, not a euphemism) are sold in small quantities (15g-20g) in plastic clamshell packaging in groceries for $2-$4 each.

You don’t need a $900 gadget to grow fresh herbs, either, of course. But that’s one way you could think of it “recouping” the capital.