McDonald’s Menu with Prices is something everyone looks up at some point, yet the numbers can feel like a moving target. The price of a Big Mac varies significantly depending on which city you order it in, so here is what you can expect to pay today. Whether you are planning a road trip budget or just want to know if your usual order still fits your wallet, this guide breaks down the current costs across the most popular categories.
McDonald’s Menu With Prices: The Core Burgers
Burgers are the backbone of the entire operation. You will notice that prices have crept up over the last few years, but there are still some decent deals if you know where to look. The classic lineup remains unchanged, but the cost per item now depends heavily on your location and whether you order through the app.
Big Mac And Quarter Pounder Costs
The Big Mac is the flagship item. A standalone Big Mac now averages between $5.15 and $5.89 depending on the state. If you live in a high-cost area like New York or California, expect to pay closer to the upper limit. The Quarter Pounder with Cheese follows a simlar pattern, usually landing between $5.29 and $6.49.
- Big Mac: $5.15 – $5.89
- Quarter Pounder with Cheese: $5.29 – $6.49
- Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese: $6.89 – $8.19
- McDouble: $2.89 – $3.79
- Cheeseburger: $2.49 – $3.19
These prices are for the sandwich alone. If you want fries and a drink, you are better off looking at the meal options, which we will cover later. The McDouble remains the best value for a filling snack, but its size has shrunk slightly over the years.
Specialty And Signature Burgers
McDonald’s has tried to compete with higher-end fast food by offering the Signature Collection. These are not available at every location, which makes pricing tricky. When you do find them, the BBQ Bacon and Spicy Jalapeno burgers usually cost between $6.49 and $7.29. They come with a brioche bun and different sauces.
The classic Hamburger is still on the menu for a reason. It costs around $2.19, which seems high for such a small item. You can often get a better deal by using the “Buy One Get One for $1” offer on the McDouble through the mobile app.
Chicken And Fish Options
Chicken has become a larger part of the menu over the past decade. The crispy sandwich trend forced McDonald’s to up their game. The McCrispy is now a permanent fixture, and the McChicken remains the budget-friendly choice for many.
Sandwich Prices
- McCrispy: $4.99 – $5.79
- Deluxe McCrispy: $5.49 – $6.29
- Spicy McCrispy: $5.19 – $5.99
- McChicken: $2.79 – $3.49
- Filet-O-Fish: $4.49 – $5.19
The Filet-O-Fish is interesting because its price has risen faster than inflation. It used to be the cheap option, but now it is almost as expensive as a burger. The McChicken is still the go-to for a cheap protein hit, although the patty is quite thin.
You should note that the fish sandwich is only available all year round in most regions, but some locations limit it to seasonal periods. Check your local store before making a special trip.
Breakfast Menu Pricing
Breakfast prices have a different structure. The menu switches over at 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM depending on the franchise. You cannot order these items after that time, which is a common frustration. The breakfast menu is split into platters, sandwiches, and sides.
Morning Sandwiches
- Egg McMuffin: $3.79 – $4.49
- Sausage McMuffin with Egg: $4.19 – $4.89
- Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit: $4.29 – $4.99
- Sausage Burrito: $2.49 – $3.19
The Sausage Burrito is the cheapest way to get a decent amount of food. It is small but filling. The Egg McMuffin is still the classic choice, and it has not changed much in decades. You can get a breakfast meal with hash browns and a coffee for around $6.49 to $7.29.
Hotcakes And Platters
Hotcakes with syrup and butter cost between $3.99 and $4.79. The Big Breakfast with hotcakes is more expensive, usually around $7.49. These platters are heavy and will keep you full for hours, but they are not the best value for money anymore.
Meal Deals And Combos
Buying a meal is almost always better than buying items separately. A medium meal includes fries and a drink. The price difference between a medium and a large is usually only about 30 cents, so it is often worth upgrading if you are very hungry.
Medium Meal Prices
- Big Mac Meal: $8.49 – $9.79
- Quarter Pounder Meal: $8.79 – $10.19
- McCrispy Meal: $8.29 – $9.49
- 10 Piece McNuggets Meal: $8.99 – $10.49
- Filet-O-Fish Meal: $7.79 – $8.99
These prices are for medium sizes. If you live in a rural area, you might see prices on the lower end. Urban locations often add a “market premium” that is not advertised. The 10 piece McNuggets meal is often the best protein-to-price ratio on the entire menu.
Happy Meal Costs
Happy Meals are still a staple for families. They cost between $4.29 and $5.49 depending on whether you choose a burger, nuggets, or a wrap. The toy is included, but the portion size is small. You can now choose apple slices or fries as the side.
Value Menu And Dollar Items
The Dollar Menu is technically gone, but the value menu has replaced it. Prices are now between $1.00 and $3.00. This is where you will find the best deals if you are on a tight budget. The items are smaller, but they serve their purpose.
Current Value Items
- McChicken: $2.79
- McDouble: $2.89
- 6 Piece McNuggets: $3.19
- Small Fries: $1.79
- Soft Drink (Small): $1.49
You will often find better prices in the app. The “Deals” section frequently has a $1 large fries offer or a 20% off entire order coupon. It is worth downloading the app just for these discounts, as they change weekly.
Drinks, Desserts, And Sides
Drinks and desserts have seen some of the highest price increases. A medium soft drink now costs around $2.19, which is hard to justify when you can buy a whole bottle at a grocery store for less. The McCafe line is also more expensive than it used to be.
Beverage Prices
- Medium Soft Drink: $2.19 – $2.79
- Large Soft Drink: $2.49 – $3.09
- Small McCafe Latte: $2.89 – $3.49
- Frappe (Medium): $4.19 – $4.89
- Bottle Water: $2.29
Dessert And Side Prices
- Medium Fries: $2.49
- Large Fries: $2.89
- McFlurry (Regular): $3.49 – $4.19
- Apple Pie: $1.89 – $2.29
- Chocolate Chip Cookie: $1.49
The McFlurry prices vary wildly. Some locations charge extra for adding M&M’s or Oreo pieces. The basic vanilla cone is still a bargain at around $1.19, but not all stores have the machine working. That is a running joke that never seems to get old.
Regional Price Differences And Taxes
You need to understand that all these prices are pre-tax. Some cities have a fast food tax, while others do not. For example, Berkeley, California has a special tax on sugary drinks. This can add up to 10% to your total bill. The prices also do not include delivery fees if you use Uber Eats or DoorDash.
Delivery prices are always higher. A Big Mac that costs $5.89 in-store might be listed at $7.49 on a delivery app. You also have to pay service fees and tip, which can double the cost of your meal. It is always cheaper to walk in or use the drive-thru.
Franchise owners set their own prices within certain limits set by corporate. This is why you see different prices in neighboring towns. The corporate-owned stores usually have lower prices than franchise-owned ones, but this is not always the case.
How To Save Money On Your Order
There are several ways to reduce your total bill without giving up your favorite items. The most effective method is to use the mobile app. You can also take advantage of the “Buy One Get One” deals that appear every few weeks.
- Download the McDonald’s app and check the “Offers” tab before ordering
- Order a McDouble and add extra lettuce and tomato for free
- Skip the meal and buy the sandwich plus a small drink separately
- Use the “Free Fries Friday” promotion if it is active in your region
- Ask for water instead of a soft drink to save $2
The app sometimes has a “Buy One Get One for $1” on the Big Mac. This is the best deal you will ever find. You cannot combine coupons, but you can stack a free item with a discounted meal if you order correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the current pricing structure and menu changes.
Why Are McDonald’s Prices Different In Every City?
Franchise owners have the ability to set their own prices based on local operating costs. Rent, labor, and food supply costs vary by region. This is why a Big Mac in Manhattan costs more than one in rural Ohio.
Is The McDonald’s Menu Cheaper Than Other Fast Food?
It depends on what you order. The value menu is cheaper than most competitors, but the signature burgers are priced similarly to Burger King or Wendy’s. The breakfast menu is generally cheaper than Starbucks or Dunkin.
Do Prices Include Tax?
No. All menu prices are pre-tax. The tax rate depends on your city and state. Some locations include tax in the displayed price, but this is rare and mostly seen in tourist areas.
Can I Still Get Items For Under $1?
Yes, but the selection is very limited. You can often get a small cookie or a side of sauce for under a dollar. The $1 any size soft drink promotion appears occasionally in the app, but it is not guaranteed.
Why Is The Filet-O-Fish So Expensive Now?
The cost of fish has increased significantly due to supply chain issues. The demand for sustainable fish has also pushed up prices. It is no longer the budget option it once was.
To sum up, the McDonald’s Menu with Prices is not a fixed document. You need to check your local store for the most accurate numbers. The prices listed here are a reliable average, but you should always expect a variance of 50 cents to a dollar depending on where you live. The best strategy is to use the app for discounts and to avoid delivery services if you want to keep costs down. The menu is still affordable compared to sit-down restaurants, but it is no longer the cheapest option in town. Plan your order ahead of time and you can still get a filling meal for under $6. Just remeber to check the local deals before you go.