With rising costs, finding affordable fast food can be a challenge. Dollar menus might be fading, but delicious and cheap options still exist. This guide highlights eateries offering the best value for your money.
From juicy burgers to tasty tacos and affordable desserts, discover fast food deals that satisfy cravings without emptying your wallet.
The 21 Cheapest Fast Food Restaurants
1. McDonald’s
While average burger prices soar, McDonald’s offers budget-friendly choices. The Big Mac, with its signature sauce, is around $5 (price varies). The dollar menu includes options like the McDouble, McChicken, and chicken nuggets, all under $3.
2. In-N-Out Burger
Popular on the West Coast, In-N-Out Burger provides quality for the price. The Double-Double, cheeseburger, and hamburger are all under $5, making them excellent cheap fast food picks.
3. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is known for its Frosties and value meals. This cheap fast food restaurant uses fresh, never-frozen beef for their burgers. Look out for meal deals featuring different burgers, fries, and nuggets at relatively low prices.
4. Burger King
Burger King offers classic burgers, chicken sandwiches, and sides like onion rings and fries. Check out their meal deals, reasonably priced burgers, and chicken nuggets for an affordable meal.
5. Rally’s
Rally’s (also known as Checkers in some areas) serves jumbo cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and seasoned fries. If you’re looking for tasty and filling cheap fast food burgers, Rally’s is worth a visit.
6. Popeyes
Popeyes’ chicken sandwich is popular for its zesty flavors and affordable prices. Try the family meal for a large portion of chicken and family-sized fries to feed everyone on a budget.
7. KFC
KFC is famous for its crispy fried chicken. Large chicken buckets are still a great deal. If you need a cheap fast food option for a large group, KFC is a solid choice.
8. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is known for great service and chicken sandwiches. With a classic menu of mild and spicy chicken sandwiches, it’s a cheap and tasty option.
9. Taco Bell
Taco Bell offers affordable Mexican-inspired fast food. Many menu items are under $5, making it a cheap place for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
10. Chipotle
While slightly pricier, Chipotle offers large portions with fresh ingredients. It’s a healthier option compared to other fast food chains, making it a good choice for those on a diet and a budget.
11. Rubio’s Coastal Grill
Rubio’s Coastal Grill serves affordable and fresh fish tacos. The menu includes Latin-American cuisine like street corn, burritos, and fish tacos. They also offer meal deals for under $10.
12. Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ Donuts offers multiple great deals on breakfast options. With cheap coffee and a variety of donuts, it’s a great option to save money while starting your day.
13. Sonic
Sonic is a drive-in restaurant known for its drink menu and flavored milkshakes. They also have cheap fast food breakfast options like junior breakfast burritos and French toast sticks.
14. Del Taco
Del Taco, established in California, offers affordable options for every meal. Check out their well-priced breakfast tacos, burritos, and combo meals. Deals are also available on their app.
15. Bojangles
Bojangles is famous for its biscuit breakfast meals. Enjoy Southern breakfast favorites like biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak biscuit, and Cajun chicken biscuit, all at a reasonable price.
16. Hardee’s
Hardee’s is known for its scratch-made biscuits and is a great place for an affordable breakfast. Try the iced blueberry biscuit or the double-decker super sausage biscuit for a filling Southern breakfast.
17. Subway
Subway offers healthy sandwich options, but also has cheap fast food cookies and churros for dessert. Enjoy a warm footlong cookie or a six-pack of assorted cookie flavors.
18. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is known for its ice cream Blizzards and dipped ice cream cones. Explore seasonal Blizzard options for a cool and refreshing dessert that won’t break the bank.
19. Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box has some of the cheapest fast food meals available. They are known for extremely cheap tacos and satisfying burgers, as well as an intriguing dessert selection.
20. Little Caesars
Little Caesars offers hot and ready pizzas that are cheaper than frozen options. They are known for quick service and cheesy pizzas, making them a standout cheap fast food joint.
21. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut offers large pizza deals at a reasonable price. Explore regional offerings and score a cheap fast food meal that will fill everyone up.
What Is the Cheapest Fast Food Chain in the US?
Little Caesars is objectively the cheapest fast food chain in the US. If you’re not a pizza fan, Burger King is a good option for burgers and fries, and Jack in the Box offers the cheapest tacos.
Don’t let rising costs stop you from enjoying fast food. Many affordable meal options are available for those looking to save money without sacrificing flavor. From pizzas to burgers and fries, there’s a cheap fast food restaurant for every budget.
