Discover The Most Expensive and Most Affordbale States for Takeaways

Updated on 09/19/2024

By Mackenzie

When it comes to satisfying our fast-food cravings, some states are more budget-friendly than others. Our saving experts here at BravoDeal have conducted a new study that analyzed the average prices of popular menu items from four beloved US takeout chains: McDonald’s, Domino’s, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell. Our goal? To determine which states are the most expensive and which states are the most affordable for takeaways.

  • Our study focused on four menu items across four fast-food chains analyzing the average price in each state, and revealing the most expensive and affordable areas for takeout.
  • Hawaii is the priciest state for takeaways, leading in costs across McDonald's, Domino's, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell. 
  • Mississippi has been crowned the most affordable state for takeaways, boasting the lowest average cost for a Big Mac nationwide at just $3.91. 

Our BravoDeal savings experts examined data on the average price of a popular menu item from four of the most beloved US takeaways: 

  1. McDonald's Big Mac
  2. Domino's medium cheese pizza
  3. Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich
  4. and a Taco Bell combo meal  

The average cost of each item was scored out of ten and averaged, producing a final ranking of the most and least expensive states to get a takeaway. Let’s dive into the results. 

The Top 10 Most Expensive States for Takeaway 

From late-night cravings to a quick lunch on the go, takeaways have become a component of our lives. But have you ever wondered which states in the U.S. will cost you the most for that cheesy pizza or juicy burger? Our savings experts here at BravoDeal have found the top 10 most expensive states for fast-food takeaway. Here are the results: 

1. Hawaii: The Peak of Takeaway Prices

Hawaii has earned the title of the most expensive state for takeaways. With an eye-watering average price of $18.99 for a Domino’s medium cheese pizza and $5.31 for a McDonald’s Big Mac, residents and visitors alike should budget carefully for their fast-food indulgences. Aloha, but at a cost!

2. New York: Where Pizza Meets Premium Pricing

Unsurprisingly, New York claims the second spot on our list. The state boasts prices around 18.5% higher than the national average for McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell. However, New Yorkers’ love for pizza shines through – a Domino’s medium cheese pizza here is 3.22% pricier than the national average.

3. New Jersey: A Tale of Contrasts

Third place goes to New Jersey. A McDonald’s Big Mac will set you back $5.19, and Taco Bell’s Combo Meal costs a whopping $7.53. But wait, there’s a twist! Their Domino’s prices defy the trend – a medium pizza costs just $13.99, a whole $5 cheaper than Hawaii.

4. California: Sun, Surf, and Spendy Takeaways

The golden state, California, known for its beaches and tech hubs, also boasts some of the country’s priciest takeaways. A Domino’s medium cheese pizza there rings up at $14.99, making it the fourth most expensive in the nation. What about a McDonald’s Big Mac? It’s $5.11, a hefty $1.20 more than the cheapest state.

5. Maryland: Chicken Sandwiches and Premium Prices

Coming in fifth place we have Maryland. Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Sandwich costs 14% more than the national average of $3.84. Meanwhile, Taco Bell’s meal hits your wallet at a steep $7.30.

6. Alaska: The Land of Expensive Pizzas

In sixth place, Alaska proves that takeaways can also freeze the wallet. A Domino’s medium cheese pizza here costs a staggering $15.99, ranking it the third most expensive state for pizza lovers.

7. Connecticut: A Trio of Pricey Fast Food

Connecticut rounds out our list at number seven. McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell are the top contributors to the Nutmeg State’s takeaway expenses costing 12% more than the national average. A Big Mac in Connecticut will set you back $4.95 on average. Thrifty residents should be wary of their burger-eating habits! 

8. Massachusetts: Expensive Sandwiches

Massachusetts joins the ranks as the eighth most expensive state for fast food. A Chick-fil-A sandwich here will set you back $3.72. Residents should consider cooking at home instead of ordering out to help keep an eye on their budgets.

9. Washington: Sliding in with Pricey Slices

Washington squeezes onto the list with the ninth spot on our list. Another state with pricey pizzas, a Domino’s medium cheese pizza here costs $16.99, which is 21% more expensive than the national average.

10. New Hampshire: Rounding Out the Top Ten

Rounding out the top ten is New Hampshire. A Taco Bell meal in the Granite State costs $7.01, and a Big Mac comes in at $4.83, making it another expensive state for a takeaway treat.

The Most Expensive States for Takeway: 

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 

Hawaii 

18.99 

5.31 

4.06 

7.7 

10 

2 

New York 

14.49 

5.23 

4 

7.58 

7.96 

3 

New Jersey 

13.99 

5.19 

3.96 

7.53 

7.56 

4 

California 

14.99 

5.11 

3.9 

7.41 

7.48 

5 

Maryland 

13.99 

5.03 

3.84 

7.3 

6.71 

6 

Alaska 

15.99 

4.87 

3.72 

7.06 

6.56 

7 

Connecticut 

14.49 

4.95 

3.78 

7.18 

6.46 

8 

Massachusetts 

14.99 

4.87 

3.72 

7.06 

6.20 

9 

Washington 

16.99 

4.67 

3.57 

6.77 

5.85 

10 

New Hampshire 

13.99 

4.83 

3.69 

7.01 

5.64 

Top 10 Most Affordable States for Takeaway 

Our savings experts didn’t just stop at the most expensive states for takeaway. Thanks to the data provided, our experts were also able to establish the top ten most affordable states for take out orders. Here are the results: 

  • Mississippi is the most affordable state with wallet-friendly Big Macs - 12% less than the national average 
  • Arkansas receives the silver medal with residents paying 9.7% less for fast food
  • Alabama rounds out the top 3 with a bargain price of $5.79 for a Taco Bell combo meal 

Mississippi takes the crown as the most affordable state. A Big Mac here costs a mere $3.91, which is almost 12% less than the national average. And that’s not all – Chick-fil-A prices are equally pocket-friendly, with residents paying less than $3 for a chicken sandwich on average.

Arkansas claims the second spot. Visitors and residents can expect to pay 9.7% less for their takeaways, with a Big Mac priced at just $3.95.

In third place, Alabama offers a bargain price of $5.79 for a Taco Bell combo meal. Compared to the national average of $6.40, that’s 9.5% in savings.

Nebraska secures fourth place with the cheapest pizzas in the U.S. A Domino’s medium cheese pizza here costs only $11.99, nearly 15% cheaper than the national average. That’s a whopping $7 more affordable than Hawaii’s pizza prices!

Kentucky ranks fifth as the most budget-friendly state for takeaways. A Taco Bell combo meal costs 8.6% less than the national average, coming in at just $5.85. Don’t forget the McDonald’s Big Mac, priced at a wallet-friendly $4.03.

Sixth place is given to South Dakota, offering a Big Mac for just $3.99 – a whopping 9.6% less than the national average. Chick-fil-A prices here are also a steal, sitting at 9.4% below the average.

Seventh place is a tie between Iowa and Oklahoma. Both states cost an average of 7.6% less than the U.S. in general. Plus, they boast the fourth cheapest Domino’s prices with a medium cheese pizza priced at just $12.99.

Ohio’s takeaway prices are 6.5% below the national average, making it eighth on our list. For McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Chick-fil-A, Ohio ranks the same as Kentucky, up in sixth place. However, its pizza prices let the state down at $13.99, barely five cents below the national average.

In ninth place, North Dakota offers a Domino’s medium cheese pizza for just $12.99, making it the joint fourth cheapest in the country. Other takeaways are equally budget-friendly; for example, a Big Mac will set North Dakotans back just $4.11 on average.

Finishing off the top ten is Missouri, where a Big Mac costs less than $4, ranking it as the fourth cheapest average price in the U.S. However, residents should be cautious when ordering pizza, as it averages $14.99 for a medium cheese Domino’s pizza – the fourth most expensive in the nation.

Whether its a pizza or a burger, these states offer budget-friendly options for residents as well as visitors! 

The Most Affordable States for Takeaway: 

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 Network, Marco Farnararo, also commented on the findings. He says: 

"These findings reveal the varied cost of takeaways across the US, reflecting America's love for fast food staples like McDonald's, Domino's, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell.  

"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. However, what's really interesting is the variety of price ranges we see elsewhere. From wallet-friendly Mississippi to the slightly more expensive areas such as California and New York, it's eye-opening for anyone who loves a quick takeaway. 

"Furthermore, it's fascinating to see how regional tastes impact fast-food pricing, as seen in states like New York, where pizza prices stand out as relatively low compared to other takeaway restaurants. This data acts as a valuable resource for residents seeking the most budget-friendly fast-food choices, offering an opportunity to save money by opting for the more economical options in their state." 

ENDS

If using this story, please hyperlink credit to https://www.bravodeal.com/  

Sources: World Population Review  

Methodology: The average price of a popular menu item from four of the most beloved US takeaway restaurants was scored out of ten based on their cost and averaged, providing a final score out of ten. This revealed the states with the most and least expensive takeaways.  

The four fast-food restaurants and their menu item are listed below:  

1. McDonald's – Average price of a Big Mac  

2. Dominos – Average price of a Medium Cheese Pizza  

3. Chick-fil-A – Average price of a Chicken Sandwich  

4. Taco Bell – Average price of a Combo Meal

Full State Ranking – States with the most expensive takeaways: 

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 

Hawaii 

18.99 

5.31 

4.06 

7.7 

10 

2 

New York 

14.49 

5.23 

4 

7.58 

7.96 

3 

New Jersey 

13.99 

5.19 

3.96 

7.53 

7.56 

4 

California 

14.99 

5.11 

3.9 

7.41 

7.48 

5 

Maryland 

13.99 

5.03 

3.84 

7.3 

6.71 

6 

Alaska 

15.99 

4.87 

3.72 

7.06 

6.56 

7 

Connecticut 

14.49 

4.95 

3.78 

7.18 

6.46 

8 

Massachusetts 

14.99 

4.87 

3.72 

7.06 

6.20 

9 

Washington 

16.99 

4.67 

3.57 

6.77 

5.85 

10 

New Hampshire 

13.99 

4.83 

3.69 

7.01 

5.64 

11 

Virginia 

14.49 

4.67 

3.57 

6.77 

4.96 

12 

Colorado 

14.99 

4.59 

3.51 

6.66 

4.72 

13 

Delaware 

13.99 

4.63 

3.54 

6.72 

4.58 

14 

Illinois 

14.49 

4.55 

3.48 

6.6 

4.33 

15 

Maine 

14.99 

4.47 

3.42 

6.48 

4.07 

16 

Vermont 

12.99 

4.59 

3.51 

6.66 

4.01 

17 

Arizona 

14.99 

4.43 

3.39 

6.43 

3.87 

18 

Florida 

13.99 

4.47 

3.42 

6.48 

3.72 

19 

Oregon 

13.99 

4.47 

3.42 

6.48 

3.72 

20 

Minnesota 

13.99 

4.43 

3.39 

6.43 

3.51 

21 

Nevada 

13.99 

4.43 

3.39 

6.43 

3.51 

22 

Wyoming 

14.99 

4.35 

3.32 

6.31 

3.42 

23 

Pennsylvania 

12.99 

4.47 

3.42 

6.48 

3.36 

24 

Rhode Island 

12.99 

4.47 

3.42 

6.48 

3.36 

25 

Texas 

13.74 

4.39 

3.35 

6.37 

3.19 

26 

Utah 

13.49 

4.39 

3.35 

6.37 

3.10 

27 

Montana 

14.99 

4.27 

3.26 

6.2 

3.00 

28 

New Mexico 

13.99 

4.31 

3.29 

6.25 

2.84 

29 

Michigan 

12.99 

4.27 

3.26 

6.2 

2.28 

30 

North Carolina 

14.49 

4.15 

3.17 

6.02 

2.17 

31 

West Virginia 

12.99 

4.67 

3.08 

5.85 

2.15 

32 

Georgia 

13.99 

4.15 

3.17 

6.02 

1.99 

33 

Kansas 

14.99 

4.07 

3.11 

5.91 

1.93 

34 

Tennessee 

12.99 

4.11 

3.14 

6.37 

1.93 

35 

Wisconsin 

13.99 

4.03 

3.2 

6.08 

1.92 

36 

Idaho 

12.35 

4.23 

3.23 

6.14 

1.84 

37 

Indiana 

13.99 

4.11 

3.14 

5.96 

1.78 

38 

Louisiana 

12.99 

4.15 

3.17 

6.02 

1.64 

39 

South Carolina 

13.99 

4.11 

3.14 

5.79 

1.57 

40 

Missouri 

14.99 

3.99 

3.05 

5.79 

1.50 

41 

North Dakota 

12.99 

4.11 

3.14 

5.96 

1.42 

42 

Ohio 

13.99 

4.03 

3.08 

5.85 

1.36 

43 

Iowa 

12.99 

4.07 

3.11 

5.91 

1.22 

44 

Oklahoma 

12.99 

4.07 

3.11 

5.91 

1.22 

45 

South Dakota 

12.99 

3.99 

3.05 

5.96 

1.00 

46 

Kentucky 

12.79 

4.03 

3.08 

5.85 

0.93 

47 

Nebraska 

11.99 

4.07 

3.11 

5.91 

0.86 

48 

Alabama 

12.99 

3.99 

3.05 

5.79 

0.79 

49 

Arkansas 

12.99 

3.95 

3.02 

5.73 

0.57 

50 

Mississippi 

13.49 

3.91 

2.99 

5.67 

0.54 

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