We’ve all felt the financial impact of inflation in recent years, but the fast-food industry in particular has seen an unprecedented rise in prices. From the Big Mac at McDonald’s to the 12-inch sandwiches at Subway, many popular dishes are more expensive than ever. FinanzBuzz reported that fast-food meal prices have increased by an average of 60% since 2014. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national inflation rate during that period was only 31%.
In other words, fast food prices have risen almost twice as fast as the national inflation rate. Take McDonald’s, for example; the undisputed king of fast food has seen its menu prices rise by 100% over the last decade, per FinanzBuzz. More specifically, the financial site’s analysis found that a McDouble costs 168% more today than it did in 2014, while a Quarter Pounder with cheese meal is 122% more expensive. (McDonald’s has downplayed the “viral reports” about its prices, dismissing the figures as exaggerated.)
The Golden Arches are far from the only fast-food chain to have raised their prices recently. The average price of a meal at Wendy’s has risen by a staggering 31% in the past two years, according to a report by financial site MoneyGeek. At the same time, Popeyes’ menu is 86% more expensive than it was a decade ago, the same study found. In short, it would be difficult to find a major fast-food brand that not has recently increased its prices.
The reality of astronomical fast food prices is inescapable for hungry customers looking for a quick, inexpensive meal. The fast food industry was once a savior for countless people who wanted a quick meal for dinner or wanted to save a few dollars on lunch when budgets were tight.
Those days seem to be a thing of the past, as annoyed consumers now regularly complain about rising prices on social media. “Fast food has become way too expensive for what they offer,” one Reddit user recently wrote. “If prices keep going up, I might as well choose a healthier diet,” added one frustrated Redditor.
While it may seem like cheap breakfast, lunch or dinner are no longer an option, you can still find good fast food deals these days – you just have to know where to look. “These days you have to play the app game to get cheap,” one user explained in a recent Reddit thread titled “Are there any cheap fast food options in the US?” Another commenter urged, “Be sure to use the fast food apps and take advantage of deals and coupons to get big discounts.”
Mobile apps are certainly a viable “hack” when it comes to fast food prices, but believe it or not, it’s still very possible to find a satisfying fast food meal without breaking the bank. Let’s take a look at seven of the cheapest fast food chains in 2024.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box, a West Coast institution, has launched an all-new savings menu this year. Announced in May, the Jack’s Munchies under $4 menu offers guests a whole host of affordable options for dinner. From French Toast Sticks and Tacos to Jr. Cheeseburgers and a brand-new Sourdough Grilled Cheese, Jack in the Box’s new savings menu has something for everyone – and every dish is available for under $4. In addition to the new savings menu, Jack in the Box also offers one of the best bargains in all of fast food: two tacos are just 99 cents at many locations.
Burger King
Burger King, which for a long time was second to McDonald’s and thus the industry leader, has done a much better job of keeping its prices stable. While BK’s menu prices have still increased by 55% since 2014, FinanzBuzzThis number sounds a lot better than Mickey D’s 100% statistic for the same period.
Additionally, the home of the Whopper has rolled out one of the cheapest deals of summer 2024. The $5 Your Way menu includes either a bacon cheeseburger, Whopper Jr., or Chicken Jr. plus four chicken nuggets, a small order of fries, and a drink. That’s a whole lot of food for just $5. And the best part? The savings will last well into fall. The chain announced just last week that it has extended the $5 menu through October.
Taco Restaurant
Another well-known West Coast fast-food chain, Del Taco, launched a new value menu last month with 15 items for $2 or less each. Del’s Real Deal$ menu includes an eclectic mix of delicious options like chips and fresh homemade guacamole, crispy chicken tacos (served with ranch, chipotle or habanero sauce), a bean and cheese burrito (served with red or green sauce) and 3-layer queso nachos.
Taco Bell
Speaking of tacos, Taco Bell is unmatched when it comes to fast-serving Mexican-inspired cuisine. Not to be outdone by the competition, Taco Bell updated its own Value Menu earlier this year, which now offers 10 hearty dishes for $3 or less. The Cravings Value Menu includes a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito for just $1.19 and a Chicken Enchilada Burrito for $2.49. The Loaded Beef Nachos are the most expensive item on the Value Menu at just $2.99.
White Castle
Time travel may still be fiction, but White Castle is literally turning back the clock on its menu prices. The iconic burger chain just announced that for a limited time, customers can purchase 10 Cheese Sliders for just $7.99. (In New York, New Jersey, and Arizona, prices are higher, at $8.99). At less than 80 cents per slider, that’s an incredible deal in 2024. White Castle’s classic burgers haven’t been this cheap since 2011!
Crystal
Krystal is another fast-food chain synonymous with small, square burgers. Thanks to the brand’s wide range of specials and promotions throughout the summer, Krystal is still an affordable fast-food alternative. The $4.99 Krystal Meal Deal includes two sliders, a small portion of fries, and a drink. Want to feed the whole family? The Krystal Family Meal Deal is available for just $15.99 and includes four sliders, four hot dogs, and four additional options of either small portions of fries or a small drink. There’s a different deal every day of the week throughout the summer. For example, on Wednesdays, customers can get a free upgrade to a medium portion with the purchase of a breakfast combo, while on Fridays, there are free chili cheese fries with select purchases.
sound
Sonic, known for its convenient drive-thru restaurants, launched an ambitious and permanent offering last month: the “Fun.99” menu. Hungry diners can choose from 12 different milkshake flavors, a Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger, Tater Tots, a Chili Cheese Coney and two varieties of a new Queso Wrap. Incredibly, each of these menu items is available for just $1.99!
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