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A new study by money-saving experts BravoDeal unveils the states where you can indulge in takeout without breaking the bank. Their research focused on four popular nationwide chains: McDonald’s, Domino’s, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell. By analyzing the average price of a signature menu item from each restaurant in every state, they compiled a ranking of takeout affordability.
The Cheapest States For Fast Food
The South emerges victorious, with Mississippi claiming the top spot. Diners in the Magnolia State have the cheapest Big Macs in the country, averaging just $3.91 – a steal compared to the national average. Mississippi also boasts the most affordable Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches, priced at under $3.
Following closely behind is Arkansas, where takeout-lovers can find budget-friendly options across all four chains. Here, a Big Mac sets you back only $3.95. Alabama snags the third-place position, offering enticing Taco Bell combo meals at a cost of $5.79, a significant saving compared to the national average of $6.40. A Big Mac will set you back just $3.95, and overall takeout costs hover around 9.7% lower than the national average.
While the South dominates the affordability rankings, Nebraska makes a surprise appearance in fourth place. Pizza fans will be happy to hear that Domino’s medium cheese pizzas come in at a budget-friendly $11.99 in Nebraska, a considerable saving compared to the national average and $7 cheaper than the most expensive state, Hawaii.
| Rank | State | Dominos Medium Cheese Pizza (Average Price $) | McDonalds Big Mac (Average Price $) | Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich (Average Price $) | Taco Bell Combo Meal (Average Price $) | Final Score |
| 1 | Mississippi | 13.49 | 3.91 | 2.99 | 5.67 | 0.54 |
| 2 | Arkansas | 12.99 | 3.95 | 3.02 | 5.73 | 0.57 |
| 3 | Alabama | 12.99 | 3.99 | 3.05 | 5.79 | 0.79 |
| 4 | Nebraska | 11.99 | 4.07 | 3.11 | 5.91 | 0.86 |
| 5 | Kentucky | 12.79 | 4.03 | 3.08 | 5.85 | 0.93 |
| 6 | South Dakota | 12.99 | 3.99 | 3.05 | 5.96 | 1.00 |
| 7 | Iowa | 12.99 | 4.07 | 3.11 | 5.91 | 1.22 |
| Oklahoma | 12.99 | 4.07 | 3.11 | 5.91 | 1.22 | |
| 8 | Ohio | 13.99 | 4.03 | 3.08 | 5.85 | 1.36 |
| 9 | North Dakota | 12.99 | 4.11 | 3.14 | 5.96 | 1.42 |
| 10 | Missouri | 14.99 | 3.99 | 3.05 | 5.79 | 1.50 |
The CEO and Co-Founder of Bravo Savings said on the findings:
“Hawaii’s position as the most expensive state comes as no surprise, given its remote island location, which drives up the costs of goods due to transportation expenses… what’s really interesting is the variety of price ranges we see elsewhere.”
While these states lead the pack, the study revealed other budget-friendly gems. See the table above.
Top 10 Most Expensive States
- Hawaii – Avg price of a Big Mac is $5.31. A medium Domino’s cheese pizza is $18.99.
- New York – Prices are 18.5% higher than the national average.
- New Jersey – A Big Mac is $5.19 but a Domino’s medium cheese pizza is $5 cheaper than Hawaii at $13.99.
- California – A Big Mac is $5.11.
- Maryland – Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Sandwich costs 14% more than the national average of $3.84.
- Alaska – A Domino’s medium cheese pizza costs $15.99.
- Connecticut – A Big Mac is $4.95 on average.
- Massachusetts – The eighth most expensive state for fast food.
- Washington – A Domino’s medium cheese pizza costs $16.99.
- New Hampshire – A Big Mac costs $4.83.
If you’re looking for an affordable takeout meal and are traveling from a more expensive state, consider heading south or heading through a state like Nebraska for a comparatively cheaper feast. And if you’re lucky enough to live in a state where the prices haven’t gone nuclear, consider yourself lucky!
