15 Most Expensive Cities To Buy a Basic Fast-Food Meal
Written by
Nicole Spector
Edited by
Ashleigh Ray
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Even though the U.S. doesn’t have a “national food” like many other countries, the good old-fashioned hamburger is a strong contender. And though French fries are believed to have originated in Belgium, that greasy side dish screams, “America!” too — as does a big ‘ole tumbler of soda.
The classic burger, fries and soda combo may be most commonly associated with fast food, which was once — and can still be — considered “cheap.” But while it may be cheap in quality, it’s not always cheap in price.
Recent research from MoneyGeek found that from 2022 to 2024, menu prices for a burger, French fries and soda across 189 major and local chains in 50 of the largest cities in the U.S. have risen 24%, on average.
According to MoneyGeek’s findings, these are the 15 cities where a burger, fries and soda will cost you the most.
15. Long Beach, California
- Average cost: $15.31
14. Virginia Beach
- Average cost: $15.41
13. Jacksonville, Florida
- Average cost: $15.49
12. Mesa, Arizona
- Average cost: $15.90
11. Las Vegas
- Average cost: $16.16
10. Baltimore
- Average cost: $16.16
9. Philadelphia
- Average cost: $16.48
8. Phoenix
- Average cost: $16.53
7. New York City
- Average cost: $16.61
6. Los Angeles
- Average cost: $17.50
5. Boston
- Average cost: $17.63
4. Seattle
- Average cost: $17.83
3. San Francisco
- Average cost: $17.96
2. Washington, D.C.
- Average cost: $18.17
1. San Diego
- Average cost: $20.76
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