Grabbing a Big Mac is tougher on wallets than it was just two years ago, according to new research published by Self, a personal finance website focused on boosting credit. However, they did put in their orders before new meal deals launched.
This research reflects prices correct as of this April and it covered McDonald’s orders across 100 U.S. cities placed through DoorDash, Uber Eats and GrubHub, popular food delivery services. All orders included the following: a Big Mac Combo Meal with fries and Coca-Cola, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese Deluxe Large Meal with fries and Coca-Cola, a six-Piece Chicken McNuggets Happy Meal with fries and water, and a Hamburger Happy Meal with fries and water.
When Self conducted the same study in 2023, the average price for this order from McDonald’s itself (not through a delivery app) was $29.87. This year, it shot up around 24%, to $36.95, according to Self. Notably, prices for the orders varied by city.
Following publication of this article, McDonald’s noted that pricing is set by individual franchisees and varies by restaurant.
“That said, this is not an accurate representation of average price increases over these two years,” said the company of the study findings. Additionally, new deals on many items were just announced this month.
Previously, Audacy has reported on a 40% increase in McDonald’s prices over the past five years due to inflation linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chain issues, labor issues and more have impacted the economy since the pandemic. This year, President Donald Trump’s tariff plan has also been challenging for McDonald’s, per this CBS News report.
While prices for McDonald’s food increased, Self also observed a decrease in markups between the McDonald’s food order alone and the delivery order from the delivery apps. In 2023, the average markup by apps was 93.8% and this year it dropped to 68.6%.
As the price for fast food favorites at McDonald’s has climbed higher, some of its customers have decided it isn’t worth the price. McDonald’s itself recently addressed its increased prices and launched a new slate of deals to entice customers back under the golden arches.
“From the $5 Meal Deal to McValue and now Extra Value Meals, we’re sending a clear message: we’re here for our customers. McDonald’s will always be a place where you can get the food you love at a price that fits your life,” said Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA, of the deals, estimated to save customers 15% on their orders. Last week, the chain also offered 50-cent Double Cheeseburgers for National Cheeseburger Day on Sept. 18, according to USA Today.
This article has been updated with clarifications about price increases from McDonald’s.