It is widely known that the prices of fast food and fast casual menus are increasing. Recently, chains like Chipotle, McDonald’s, and others have faced criticism for raising prices while reportedly reducing portion sizes. Not all price increases are equal though. In a national survey conducted late last year, several popular restaurants were labelled as “overpriced,” “expensive,” or a “rip-off” by customers. Shake Shack was even dubbed as the most expensive chain in America, prompting us to question where one can find—or avoid—the priciest fast food burger in the country.
Prices can vary slightly by city even at national chains, so to ensure a fair comparison, we examined the menus of over 15 fast food restaurants in the Los Angeles area. We chose the most basic, traditional burger available (neither too stripped-down nor too extravagant) and narrowed down the list to the seven most expensive options nationwide.
Here are the top seven, listed from least to most expensive. Did the number one spot surprise you?
7. Jack In The Box Jumbo Jack
Jack in the Box offers a wide selection of burgers, but the Jumbo Jack is the most affordable (and standard) choice. Priced at $6.61, it is on the higher end compared to most fast food options. In many places, you could still get a double cheeseburger for less.
6. Carl’s Jr. Single Big Carl
At $6.99, Carl’s Jr.’s Single Big Carl is not far behind the next priciest burger. This menu item includes a charbroiled all-beef patty, classic sauce, melted American cheese, and lettuce on a seeded bun.
5. McDonald’s Quarter Pounder
McDonald’s has been accused of price inflation for some time now, with costs reportedly doubling over the past decade. The Quarter Pounder is one of the pricier burgers at $7.49, supporting those claims.
4. Wendy’s Dave’s Single
Wendy’s Dave’s Single, featuring a quarter-pound of fresh British beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, Heinz ketchup, Heinz mayo, and onions on a toasted bun, comes in at $7.69.
3. Burger King Whopper
Surprisingly, Burger King’s Whopper is as costly as Shake Shack. Priced at $7.99, this iconic menu item includes a flame-grilled beef patty with mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and sliced onion.
2. Shake Shack Shackburger
As the most overpriced fast food restaurant in the U.S., Shake Shack naturally makes the list. The Shackburger, the simplest option on the menu with one Angus beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and Shack sauce, is priced at $7.99.
#1 Most Expensive: The Five Guys Cheeseburger
Five Guys was ranked as the second most overpriced fast food chain in the
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