Fast food prices have risen significantly, with many consumers finding that what was once an economical choice is now expensive.
From 2020 to 2025, inflation in the United States rose by 22%, while prices at 16 popular chain restaurants increased by 42% during the same period.
“It’s outrageous. The prices is crazy,” said Kamille Mitchell, a fast food fan who now opts for supermarket shopping.
Consumer advisor Clark Howard explained that fast food restaurants face enormous cost pressures on real estate, employee wages, and food costs.
The Mitchell sisters, Kamille and Kelcey, have been driven to supermarkets due to the higher prices at fast food drive-throughs. Kelcey Mitchell noted, “cuz it don’t make sense to keep spending $20 every day. We can just spend that and groceries and cook at home.”
A study by Fastbuzz.com highlighted the disparity in price increases, showing that fast food prices have risen nearly twice as much as general inflation.
Cox Media Group News Teams found significant price differences for the same items at different fast food locations, such as the Daily Double Meal at McDonald’s, which was almost $2 cheaper at one location compared to others.
Some of the best deals can be found on fast food apps, which offer lower prices and free food incentives, according to Clark Howard.
Traditional restaurants are also offering deals, with some sit-down restaurants competing with fast food pricing, according to franchise operations expert Ben Lawrence.
Iris Parks, a resident, expressed her preference for cooking at home, saying, “If you have to pay like 13 and 14 and 15 dollars for six wings, I can go and buy me a pack of wings for like four or five dollars and do it myself.”
As fast food prices continue to rise, consumers are increasingly looking for savings at supermarkets and through restaurant apps, while traditional restaurants also compete with fast food pricing.
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