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Fast food is no longer fast or cheap, making it increasingly easier for Americans to give it up. The price tag is now on par with that of "real" restaurants, and so is the wait time, making it no longer worth it for most consumers.
In fact, one of the best ways to stretch your fast food budget is by upgrading to an independently owned local restaurant because you'll get more food that tastes better and is healthier for about the same amount it would cost at a drive-through, and the wait time is still going to be about 20 minutes.
The epitome of American fast food is a hamburger with a side of fries, but that could be changing as prices put burger chains into the luxury food category. See which burger chains are the worst offenders.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
1. Shake Shack
Based on customer sentiment, Shake Shack is the most overpriced fast food chain. A study by Preply used a language model analysis to sort review data, revealing that Shake Shack failed to deliver value in proportion to its price.
While Shake Shack touts the use of top-quality ingredients and sometimes advertises premium and special burger ingredients, these can come at a steep price.
2. McDonald's
A 2024 price comparison study revealed that the Golden Arches has had the biggest fast food price hikes in the last decade. A Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal has increased by 122%. In 2014, the standard meal was priced at $5.39, while the 2024 pricing was $11.99. In 2025, the price is up to $12.59, which is even more expensive than a Cracker Barrel cheeseburger.
3. Five Guys
Five Guys is known for having generous helpings, but customers still can't justify paying $12.19 for a simple cheeseburger. Adding an order of small fries is an additional $5.49, bringing the total meal cost to over $17.
It's actually cheaper to order an eight-ounce sirloin steak from Texas Roadhouse, and that comes with two sides included.
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4. Smashburger
A Classic Smash will hit your wallet for $7.19. Add a side and a drink, and you're looking at over $16 for a meal for one. Once again, we're back to the steak problem: A hamburger to-go should not cost more than a nice steak entree at a sit-down restaurant.
Combined with the fact that many other restaurants have jumped on the "smashed" trend for burgers, customers can obtain that Maillard reaction and crispy edges elsewhere for a better perceived value.
5. Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box is a smaller chain, operating in only 24 states, but its menu prices differ significantly from the reported prices by customers. A recent Reddit thread has customers comparing prices and the diminutive size of their orders.
Can you really call it a "Jumbo Jack" if it fits in the palm of your hand and can be eaten in three bites? Customers don't like to be left hungry, especially when they've paid enough for a complete meal. Higher prices and smaller servings are driving customers away from the small Western burger chain.
6. Burger King
According to a 2024 study, Burger King has done a better job of keeping prices down than their competitors, but not by much. Over the past decade, Burger King has increased prices by 55%, but this still leaves a basic Whopper meal priced at $9.99 in 2024. Ordering one today is even more, as a medium is priced at $10.39.
7. Wendy's
A Dave's Double from Wendy's has gone up 46% over the past decade, from $4.79 to $6.99. That price is nearly on par with McDonald's, but you get a half pound of fresh beef compared to McD's quarter pound. Upgrading to a meal brings the total to $11.19.
This might not be the most egregious example of fast-food inflation. However, it still leaves customers questioning whether they want to spend that much for "convenience" when a few dollars more can deliver a much higher quality of food than takeout from a sit-down restaurant.
Bottom line
Prices on fast food are already high, but shaking the economic Magic 8 Ball suggests it could get much worse very quickly.
Prices are rising too quickly, while paychecks are stagnating (or worse, considering the massive layoffs in every sector this year). Companies continue to hike prices even higher. This could be devastating to the fast-food industry, as you, like many others, might need to find additional ways to boost your bank account just to keep up with your monthly grocery costs.
