McDonald’s Prices Went Up — Is It Still the Best Deal on Your Fast Food Menu?

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When restaurants sets prices, they take several factors into consideration. First, there’s the cost of goods and labor used to create their menu items and serve the food. That would also include overhead like electricity costs, property fees and employee salaries and benefits. Inflationary pressures and supply-chain challenges can also influence costs. Finally, the laws of supply and demand come into play, along with how much of a price increase the market can bear.

In other words, while customers may be swallowing price increases from McDonald’s and other fast-food chains, they aren’t likely to pay $10 for a Happy Meal. So, unhappily as of 2025, Happy Meal pricing can fall between $4 and $8 at most locations but as much as $10 to $15 at others. Obviously for many, that is not worth the price of the toy.

Does the Golden Arch Standard Still Dominate the Value Menu?

Given how disgruntled even loyal McDonald’s enthusiasts are with price hikes, the chain will continue to evaluate customer research to ensure they still feel they are getting a good value. However, as former value menu items creep above $10, many are asking a simple question: Is McDonald’s still the best deal in town?

For decades, McDonald’s has been synonymous with fast, affordable food. From the iconic $1 menu to the reliable combo meals, it has long been the go-to option for a quick bite on a budget. Yet recently, many customers are fit to be fried with the rising cost of food, with headlines and social media posts revealing a growing concern among consumers.

The End of the Dollar Menu

Not long ago, a few bucks could get you a satisfying meal, but today, prices at McDonald’s vary widely depending on location, and in some cities, a Big Mac meal can cost as much as $18. The Dollar Menu –once a symbol of affordability — has evolved into the “$1 $2 $3 Menu” or the the “Buy One, Get One for $1” option, which works for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 

You simply buy one item from the menu and can get the second for just a buck. Here are examples of some favorites you can snag for $1 when you double up: 

• Sausage McMuffin
• Sausage Biscuit
• Sausage Burrito
• Hash Browns
• McChicken
• Double Cheeseburger
• 6-piece Chicken McNuggets
• Small Fries

There is also the $5 Meal Deal at McDonald’s, which includes a McChicken or McDouble sandwich, four chicken nuggets, fries and a drink.

Inflation is certainly part of the story that is making value menus disappear faster than the middle class. Rising costs of ingredients, labor, packaging and transportation are affecting fast food chains across the board. Here are some key takeaways from what are causing these skyrocketing prices:

• Labor costs: With minimum wages rising in many areas, fast food workers are earning more, rightfully so. But that cost is often passed on to consumers.
• Inflation, tariffs and supply chain issues: Global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures have driven up the cost of beef, dairy, and other ingredients.
• Franchise model: Since most McDonald’s locations are franchised, owners set their own prices. That means costs can vary significantly depending on where you are.

McDonald’s vs. The Others: What’s the Best Deal?

Despite higher prices, McDonald’s still offers convenience, consistency and broad availability in every state. However, when the cost of a combo meal rivals that of a sit-down lunch at a diner or a fresh meal from a local restaurant, the value proposition becomes murkier. Here are some other deals and discounts from leading competitors:

• Wendy’s: Known for its $5 Biggie Bag combo meal which includes your choice of a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger or Crispy Chicken Sandwich, four chicken nuggets, fries and a drink, Wendy’s does know its way around a budget-friendly way to eat.
• Taco Bell: Still offers a Cravings Value Menu with a variety of low-cost items. There are plenty of inexpensive items (though not as inexpensive as they used to be) and the The $7 Luxe Cravings Box includes a Seasoned Beef Chalupa Supreme, a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, a Double Stacked Taco, chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium fountain drink, which is a good amount of food.
• Burger King: For $5, you can choose between a Whopper Jr., Chicken Jr. or Bacon Cheeseburger paired with Value Fries, a four-piece Chicken Nuggets and a Value Soft Drink, because as advertised, BK lets you rule over your next order and pay less with options like the $5 Duo or $7 Trio, which is where you can mix and match your favorite BK items such as the Bacon Cheeseburger or Original Chicken Sandwiches and get two for $5 or three for $7. 

Final Take To GO

McDonald’s is still a giant in the fast food world, but its status as the most affordable option is being challenged. While many customers will remain loyal for the convenience and comfort of the brand, others are looking elsewhere, wondering if the Golden Arches have lost a bit of their shine.

The question remains — for McDonald’s and other chains, as well as locally owned eateries — how much higher can prices go before restaurants start losing enough customers that it significantly damages their profitability? And who’s gonna bring home the bacon (cheeseburgers)?

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