If you’ve noticed that grabbing your usual fast-food meal is costing more than it used to, you’re not alone. Fast-food prices have been climbing steadily since 2020, changing how affordable quick bites really are.
On average, prices at popular fast-food chains have gone up by more than 75% in the last few years. This means your favorite meals might not fit your budget the way they once did. Understanding these changes can help you make smarter choices when eating out.
McDonald’s menu prices have nearly doubled since 2014
If you’ve noticed your usual McDonald’s order costs way more than it used to, you’re not imagining things. Since 2014, prices on their menu have nearly doubled.
For example, a McDouble burger has gone from just over a dollar to more than three dollars. Even simple sides like medium fries have seen big jumps.
This increase means grabbing your favorite meal now hits your wallet harder than it did a decade ago. You’re paying significantly more for the same items you once bought for less.
Taco Bell’s Gordita Crunch price up 100% from 2014 to 2024
If you loved grabbing a Gordita Crunch at Taco Bell for just around $2.50 back in 2014, you’ll notice it’s quite a bit pricier now. The price has doubled over the past decade, hitting about $5 in 2024.
This sharp increase means what was once a quick, affordable snack now costs twice as much. If you’re budgeting your fast-food expenses, that jump definitely stands out when you order your favorite meal.
Fast-food prices rose an average of 77% between 2020 and 2024
You’ve probably noticed your usual fast-food order costing more these days. From 2020 to 2024, fast-food prices jumped about 77% on average.
That means what used to cost you $5 might now be closer to $9. This rise is much faster than general inflation for food.
A big part of this is supply chain issues and higher costs for ingredients. So your breakfast sandwich and fries are hitting your wallet harder than before.
Chipotle’s meal prices increased significantly since the pandemic
You’ve probably noticed your Chipotle bill creeping up lately. Since 2020, the restaurant has raised prices by about 2% to deal with inflation and higher food costs.
This might not sound huge, but it adds up, especially if you eat there often. Chipotle says the increase helps cover rising expenses like ingredients and packaging.
So, next time you order your favorite burrito bowl, don’t be surprised if it costs a bit more than before the pandemic.
Salaries at McDonald’s jumped 40%, pushing prices higher
You might have noticed your McDonald’s order costs more these days. One big reason is wage increases. Since 2019, restaurant crew salaries have gone up about 40%.
That means it costs McDonald’s more to keep their staff. To cover those higher expenses, prices on the menu have crept up. So when you’re paying more, a chunk of that is to handle rising labor costs.
Fast-food inflation has outpaced general inflation by a huge margin
You’ve probably noticed fast-food prices creeping up faster than other things. Since 2020, fast-food prices have risen about 21.5%, which is way higher than the general rate of inflation during the same time.
Chains like McDonald’s have seen prices double in the last decade. So, your usual burger or combo meal is costing more compared to a few years back.
This bigger increase means you’re paying extra not just because of inflation, but partly because fast-food chains are raising prices at a quicker pace. It’s a trend that’s hit you at the drive-thru.
Value meals at major chains are pricier but still available
You’ll notice value meals at big fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Taco Bell have gone up since 2020. Prices have climbed, but these chains still offer deals meant to save you some cash.
McDonald’s introduced new offers like the $5 Meal Deal and Buy One, Add One for $1 to keep things budget-friendly. Taco Bell’s value menu has also expanded, giving you more choices without breaking the bank.
While prices aren’t as low as before, these chains are trying to keep value meals on their menus so you can still enjoy quick, affordable food.
Rising costs since COVID have led to continuous price hikes
Since COVID hit, fast-food prices have steadily climbed. You’ll notice that what used to be cheap and quick bites are now costing quite a bit more.
This isn’t just about inflation in general; fast-food prices have outpaced it. Chains have had to raise prices to cover higher costs of ingredients, labor, and operations.
You might have seen menu prices jump by over 20% at popular spots. Some fast-casual places even saw increases approaching 40%. So, your usual order now comes with a bigger price tag than before.
Fast-casual dining prices are up about 42% in the last decade
You’ve probably noticed your bill at fast-casual spots getting bigger. On average, prices have climbed around 42% since 2020. This means meals that once felt affordable now cost quite a bit more.
The increase outpaces general inflation, hitting everything from burgers to bowls. It’s a trend across many popular chains, not just a few. So next time you order, expect to pay noticeably more than a few years ago.
Low-income Americans are getting priced out of some fast food
You’ve probably noticed prices creeping up at your usual fast-food spots. Since 2020, many chains like McDonald’s have raised prices by about 10% each year.
For low-income families, those increases add up fast. Some affordable menu items, like the classic dollar menu, have disappeared or become more expensive, making it harder to find cheap options.
As prices rise, you might see fewer people from lower-income neighborhoods stopping by. This shift is changing who shops at these restaurants and what they can afford to order.
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