Average cost of a fast food meal now tops $10 in all major cities
A new study shows that fast-food meals with prices in the single digits may soon be a thing of the past.
Last month, researchers at LendingTree collected prices for a standard fast food meal, including an entrée, side and drink, in zip codes across the 50 largest U.S. metros.
The financial company selected five of the most well-known national fast food chains for its analysis: Burger King, McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell and Wendy’s.
Fast food tops $10 in major cities
By the numbers:
According to the data, the average flagship fast-food meal now costs $11.56 across the largest metros.
San Francisco led the pack with an average fast food meal now costing $13.88.
Even in Columbus, Ohio, where fast food was cheapest, the average fast food meal rang up at $10.01 – passing that double-digit threshold.
A Quarter Pounder hamburger is served at a McDonald’s restaurant on March 30, 2017 in Effingham, Illinois. (Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images)
“As inflation drives up food costs, 16% of Americans are turning to fast food and other ‘cheaper options’ to save money,” LendingTree wrote in its analysis. “But rising fast food prices undermine this strategy, making a once-affordable American staple an expensive treat.”
Majority of Americans consider fast food a luxury
Dig Deeper: According to another study by LendingTree, almost 80% of Americans now consider fast food a luxury, and the majority say they’ve recently been shocked at the price of a fast food bill.
RELATED: How much does a meal cost at popular fast food chains in America?
Last year, another study found that the most affordable meal for consumers was Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme meal, which ranged from $7.50 to $9.
Meanwhile, the most expensive meal, according to the analysis, was Five Guys’ Cheeseburger meal, which was priced between $15 and $17.
