The American fast food market is changing—and you're not alone if you crave fast food but are shocked by the prices. While consumers groan at the high prices, food corporations blame it on the cost of doing business and inflation. In this article, we look at some of the priciest foods in America today.
Wendy's Dave's Single
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Originally introduced in 2011 as part of the "Dave's Hot 'N Juicy" line, the burger has undergone recipe tweaks to enhance its flavor and appeal. The burger contains several fresh ingredients, all tucked in a toasted bun, but its $7.69 price point can be a deterrent.
Shake Shack Shackburger
What started as a humble hot dog cart in NYC has turned into a burger empire, and the Shackburger is its best item. This meal contains beef patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and their signature ShackSauce inside a fluffy potato bun. It started as a $5 bite in the early 2000s but now costs $8–$10, depending on where you are.
McDonald's Big Mac Meal
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The Big Mac Meal has two beef patties, a special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun. Pair it with fries and a drink for a truly classic combo. Although the meal once cost around $7, it now sells for around $10.
In-N-Out Double-Double Combo
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This meal is essentially a double cheeseburger but with extra meat and cheese. The combo, which was first released in 1966, also contains fries and a drink. In 2002, the burger alone was priced at $2.50, but as of 2024, the combo meal surpassed the $11 mark.
Burger King Whopper Meal
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The Whopper has been a fast-food staple since the 1950s, and for good reason—flame-grilled beef, fresh veggies, and that signature mayo. But the price has evolved too. What once cost 37 cents now averages $11.69. It's still a classic, but it's no longer a cheap thrill.
McDonald's Quarter Pounder
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Since its introduction in 1971, this burger has undergone various modifications to enhance its taste and appeal. With those changes in appeal also came changes in pricing. By 2023, it was priced at $5.45 and reached $11.99 the following year when ordered with a cheese meal.
Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich Deluxe Meal
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The Spicy Chicken Sandwich Deluxe Meal is well seasoned and contains chicken breast, freshly breaded and cooked in 100% refined peanut oil. It's served on a toasted, buttery bun with dill pickle chips, lettuce, tomato, and Pepper Jack cheese. In 2010, this deluxe treat was priced at $3.59, which rose to $12 in 2025.
Wendy's Baconator Combo
The Baconator Combo isn't just a meal but a pricey commitment. Two beef patties, six strips of bacon, cheese, and mayo, all stacked into a soft bun. Once an indulgence under $7, it's now $12–$14 with fries and a drink. Wendy's keeps the portions big, but those prices are higher.
Five Guys Cheeseburger
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This cheeseburger is a customizable beast loaded with toppings ranging from grilled mushrooms to jalapeños. But it costs $12.89. Five Guys relies on premium ingredients like fresh-cut fries in peanut oil and hand-formed patties, which might explain the price tag.
Chipotle Burrito Bowl
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What was once a go-to for budget-conscious foodies, has now has become a luxury. The base price hovers around $9 to $11, but throw in guac, double meat, or queso, and you're pushing $15+. It's a solid meal and a favorite for its many variations, but prices have climbed fast.
Panera Bread Chicken Sandwich Meal
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Indulging in a Panera Bread Chicken Sandwich Meal feels more like a splurge than a quick bite. The sandwich features chicken breast, greens, and a tangy sauce, all nestled between bread. Several revisions have seen prices climb to $12–$15, especially when paired with a side and drink.
Gordon Ramsay Burger's Hell's Kitchen Burger
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Fans who can't wait to critique Gordon Ramsay's creations can enjoy his Hell's Kitchen Burger. It is priced around $20 and contains a beef patty topped with cheese, jalapeños, avocado, and tomatoes. The meal matches Ramsay's Michelin-starred flair to fast-food lovers.
KFC Family Meal
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Gathering the family for a KFC Family Meal is no longer an affordable ritual. In the early 1970s, a family bucket of 15 pieces was priced at $3.90. Today, an 8-piece meal, including sides and biscuits, can cost around $34.29. The golden-brown crispy chicken-heavy meal combo is now too pricey for most consumers.
Sugar Factory's 24k Gold Burger
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Sugar Factory doesn't do subtle when it comes to food, and this 24K Gold Burger is proof of that. A Wagyu beef patty, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and signature sauce, all wrapped in a gold-leaf-covered bunch, costs $150. This meal is plainly a flex, especially as it is served with fries and a 24K-gold-dusted milkshake.
Quintessential Grilled Cheese at Serendipity 3
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Priced at $214, this meal in New York City holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive sandwich. It contains premium ingredients, including edible gold flakes, white truffle butter, and rare Caciocavallo Podolico cheese. The exclusive meal even has to be ordered 48 hours beforehand.
