Eating in the United States doesn't always have to cost a fortune. Even if you have limited means or are just craving something on a more affordable end, there are lots of options out there that can suit your needs. We've scoured the nation to create this ranked list of budget-friendly options to satisfy your taste buds.
Nissin Cup Noodles
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In 1971, Momofuku Ando, founder of Nissin Foods, introduced Cup Noodles as an affordable fix for anyone on a tight budget. Despite recent price hikes, it's still a cheap food option, with a 2.5 oz cup selling for around 46 cents in retail stores.
White Castle's Original Slider
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Bite-sized and budget-friendly, White Castle's Original Slider has been a fast-food staple since 1921. Priced at 5 cents back then, these small steam-grilled beef patties with onions on a soft bun now cost around 80-90 cents each.
Sonic's Corn Dog
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Sonic's Corn Dog features a hot dog enveloped in sweet cornmeal batter, deep-fried to a golden crisp. As of February 2025, it costs $1.29, though prices may vary by location. Customers can get cheaper prices as Sonic occasionally slashes the price to 50 cents.
Jack in the Box's Two Tacos
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Americans eat around 554 million Jack in the Box tacos every year. The budget-friendly option contains meat, cheese, lettuce, and taco sauce in a crunchy taco shell. While it was priced at 99 cents for two for a long time, it increased to $1.19 in 2018.
Arby's Slider Sandwiches
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Arby's Slider's 2015 release of these sandwiches was a hit, with 29 million units sold in their debut month. Customers can choose from several protein options, such as roast beef, chicken, and ham. Initially priced at $1.29, prices have increased, with some locations charging around $2.59.
Taco Bell's Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito
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The Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is popular among vegans and those looking for healthy but cheap fast food. It was originally part of Taco Bell's value menu, but its price has varied with location and toppings, with some selling it for as low as $1.49 and some for as much as $2.99.
Costco Hotdog
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Costco's hot dog has been an American staple since 1985. Interestingly, their hot dog and soda combo has remained at $1.50 since its introduction. In 2013, Costco switched from Coca-Cola to Pepsi products but reverted in early 2025 to maintain their low prices.
KFC's Chicken Little Sandwich
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KFC's Chicken Little Sandwich—a breaded Extra Crispy Strip with pickles and Colonel's Mayo on a sweet bun—was reintroduced in 2012 at $1.29. Originally launched in the 1980s, the tiny sandwiches were discontinued but made a comeback due to popular demand.
Burger King's Value Menu Cheeseburger
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Burger King's Value Menu Cheeseburger features a beef patty topped with melted cheese and different toppings, all inside a sesame seed bun. Although it debuted in 2002 at 99 cents, its current price is around $2.29. In 2025, Burger King even offered a limited deal, selling the meal offer for $1.
Dunkin' Donuts' Bagel with Cream Cheese
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In 1996, Dunkin' Donuts released its first set of bagels. Although the sale variants vary in each outlet, cinnamon raisin and everything bagels remain popular. The bagels were initially priced between 55 and 60 cents, but now sell for around $2.49.
Wendy's Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger
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Introduced in the 1980s, Wendy's Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers were priced at 99 cents. While their cost has increased, with reports of $2.39 in some locations, they nonetheless remain affordable meals. In September 2024, Wendy's offered this burger for just 1 cent with any purchase via their app.
Checkers/Rally's All-American Cheeseburger
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The All American Cheeseburger from Checkers and Rally's features a seasoned beef patty topped with cheese, pickles, ketchup, and mustard on a sesame seed bun. In 2018, it was promoted for 69 cents. As of 2025, the prices vary from outlet to outlet, with a Tampa, FL store selling for $2.64.
McDonald's McDouble
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In 1997, the McDouble introduced the McDouble; two beef patties, a slice of cheese, and other toppings in a toasted bun. Originally priced at $1.19 in 2014, it has risen to $3.19 today. Bacon lovers can also opt for the 'Bacon McDouble,' which has smoked bacon for the same price.
Chipotle's Single Taco
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One of the legacies of Chipotle's founder, Steve Ells, is his company's single taco. The prices go as low as $3.5, and the taco includes a choice of protein with toppings wrapped in a tortilla. In 2022, customers exploited their customizable nature to create a '$3 burrito hack.'
Costco's Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken
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In 2023, Costco sold approximately 137 million rotisserie chickens, which shows just popular they are. This brand has been a staple for over a decade and consistently priced at $4.99 since 2009. While Costco doesn't profit much from them, it strategically prices them low to attract people to its stores.
