The 3 Most Overpriced Fast-Food Chains Right Now, Based on What You Actually Get
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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Fast food was once the cheapest way to eat out, but some chains are now charging prices that rival restaurants. Combo meals aren’t always standard anymore, and ordering sides like fries or a drink separately can push the total well beyond what most people expect to pay for a drive-thru meal.
These three fast-food chains are falling short when it comes to the best bang for your buck.
Five Guys
A Five Guys’ cheeseburger is $11.99 by itself. Granted, it comes with unlimited toppings, but almost $12 for a lone fast-food burger is a bit steep. Add a regular order of fries for a whopping $7.29 and a drink for $3.39, and the total comes to almost $25.
A Big Carl cheeseburger at Carl’s Jr. runs $6.29, while an order of natural-cut fries is $3.49 and a medium beverage is $3.49. Totaled up, the meal is more than $10 less than the Five Guys meal — or $14.36.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack is not known for its combo meals. The chain’s first ever combo meal was launched in March 2025 and was only available for a limited time. Patrons of Shake Shack have to order burgers, sides and drinks separately, which makes eating here comparatively more expensive.
For example, a ShackBurger is $9.49, an order of fries is $3.49 and a drink is $3.49, totaling $16.47. At Steak & Shake, a Steakburger with cheese combo, which includes a medium order of beef tallow fries and a medium drink, is less than half the price of Shake Shack’s meal at $8.19.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s is known for its cool and creamy Frosty desserts and 100% pure-beef patties, but it also sells a “Classic Chicken Sandwich.” The fried chicken sandwich comes with a medium order of fries and a medium drink for $11.29, but this type of meal can be had for less elsewhere.
To compare, a medium Chick-Fil-A sandwich with a medium order of waffle fries and a medium drink is $9.09. Not only that, but Chick-Fil-A’s original chicken sandwich has been consistently top-rated among fast-food chicken sandwich offerings.
Editor’s note: Prices and offerings may vary by location, and are always subject to change.
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