U.S. Fast-Food Prices Jump 47% in 10 Years as Only 14% Still See It as ‘Budget Friendly’

A Zappi survey recently sought to measure U.S. public perception regarding fast-food. The survey revealed that fast-food, which used to be seen as an inexpensive meal, is no longer viewed as budget friendly by the majority of the population. In fact, only 14% say they categorize fast-food as an easy-on-the-wallet option. Instead, fast-food is more commonly described as a “treat”, with 23% describing it as such. This shift is especially true among Gen Z and higher income demographics. In an effort to fight this public opinion, fast-food chains are attempting to bring back value menu options, aiming for the $5-$8 range.

Fast-food has long been known for its addicting taste, convenience, and affordability. However, some U.S. residents can cross “affordability” off the list. Prices for many fast-food favorites have risen almost 47% in the past 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. WalletHub was curious to see which states are home to the least affordable fast-food. They took a look at the cost of fast-food in each state, comparing it to median monthly income. The analysis revealed major differences between states.

The study evaluated the cost of three specific items (a burger, a small pizza, and a fried chicken sandwich) to see how they matched up to median income within each specific state. You might be surprised to see which states make the list, with New Mexico ranking toward the top. Residents of this western state dole out around 0.47% of their monthly wage just to obtain a few menu items.

In this slideshow, we’ll reveal the results of WalletHub’s intriguing study, focusing on the top 15 states where fast-food eats up a sizable portion of monthly income. If you’ve realized your addiction to convenience foods has made a dent in your budget, you may be curious to see if your state ranks towards the top.

This post was updated on July 31, 2025 to include the results of Zappi’s new survey.

15. Missouri

• Monthly Median Income: $5,712
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $21.70
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.38

14. Arizona

• Monthly Median Income: $6,443
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $25.12
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.39

13. Maine

• Monthly Median Income: $6,145
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $24.58
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.40

12. South Carolina

• Monthly Median Income: $5,650
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $23.16
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.41

11. Florida

• Monthly Median Income: $6,109
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $25.04
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.41

10. Vermont

• Monthly Median Income: $6,767
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $28.42
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.42

9. Oklahoma

• Monthly Median Income: $5,178
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $21.74
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.42

8. Montana

• Monthly Median Income: $5,900
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $25.37
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.43

7. Alabama

• Monthly Median Income: $5,184
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $22.29
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.43

6. Louisiana

• Monthly Median Income: $4,804
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $21.13
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.44

5. West Virginia

• Monthly Median Income: $4,662
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $20.51
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.44

4. Arkansas

• Monthly Median Income: $4,898
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $22.04
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.45

3. Kentucky

• Monthly Median Income: $5,165
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $23.75
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.46

2. New Mexico

• Monthly Median Income: $5,177
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $24.33
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.47

1. Mississippi

• Monthly Median Income: $4,576 
• Cost of 3 specific fast-food menu items: $21.50
• Cost of Fast Food as Percentage of Income: 0.47

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