Spend Less on Fast Food With the 8 Cheapest Options
Written by
Jamela Adam
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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The average American household spent nearly $4,000 in 2023 eating out (including at fast-food chains), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
You don’t need to quit fast food to save money, though. You just need to know where to go and what’s actually worth it.
Here are the top eight spots where you can still eat well for under $5, or close to it.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box’s value menu is stacked. You can get two tacos for only 90 cents, two breakfast sandwiches for $3, a Junior Chicken Sandwich for $2.99, and the Classic Grilled Jack Wrap for $3. And if you want to save even more, you can join Jack in the Box rewards to get free food and special treats.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread has a menu called Value Duets that starts around $6.99. Their meals aren’t exactly under $5, but they’re still a good deal for what you’re getting. You can pair things like a grilled cheese and tomato soup, or a half sandwich with mac and cheese. Plus, the food at Panera Bread feels a bit “nicer” than typical fast food.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s 4 for $4 and $5 Biggie Bag deals will give you a full meal, including a sandwich, nuggets, fries, and a drink. You can also grab things like a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger or a small Frosty for under $3.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell’s Cravings Value Menu has a bunch of items in the $1 to $2 range, like bean burritos, spicy potato soft tacos, double-stacked tacos, cheesy bean and rice burritos, and loaded beef nachos. You can mix and match two or three things and still stay under $5.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut has some pretty decent deals, as well. Their Melts start around $6.99 and are meant for one person. If you split a pizza or bundle deal with a friend or roommate, you can easily keep your cost under $5 per person. They also offer combo boxes and coupon deals through the app that help lower the price even more.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is known for their affordable meals. They have the $1 to $3 menu, which includes things like the McChicken, cheeseburgers, small fries, and hash browns. They have also recently brought back a $5 Meal Deal, which includes a McDouble or McChicken, four-piece nuggets, fries, and a drink.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic’s $1.99 value menu includes two types of chicken sandwiches, a grilled cheese sandwich, the Cheesy Baja Crispy Tender Wrap, the Honey Chipotle Crispy Tender Wrap, three flavors of slushies, and soft pretzel twists. It’s not the most exciting list, but everything’s only $1.99, so there’s not much to complain about.
Papa John’s
Papa John’s made the list mostly thanks to their bundles and promos. You won’t find a ton of individual items under $5, but when you use their app or coupons, you can grab a small pizza or sides for cheap. For example, they sometimes run deals where you can get a one-topping pizza and a drink for around $7, which works out to less than $5 each if you split with someone.
Though It’s Not Healthy, Fast Food Can Be Affordable
You don’t have to give up your favorite fast food spots to stick to a budget. Just stick to value menus when you go. That said, it’s not healthy to eat fast food all the time. But if you must eat out, these cheaper options can help you save without totally giving it up.
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