16 Wild Fast Food Price Increases

Inflation is a killer. Following the pandemic, when everything went into a serious lull and prices dropped around the globe, inflation soared and prices increased significantly.

While this is typical from year to year, there have been some noticeable changes, particularly in the fast-food space. What used to be a cheap meal out is no longer cost-effective and most families don’t have the budget to hit the drive-thru.

According to TikTok user my00sthings, prices increased at least 50% across food items at three fast-food chains within the last five years.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s is arguably one of the most popular fast-food restaurants in the world, with more than 40,000 locations. It’s also raised its prices quite a bit since 2019.

Some of the costs of these meal items may be lower based on your location, but it’s shocking to see how five years — and a pandemic — can make a difference. Inflation is really making it McHard to eat on a budget.

Medium Fries

McDonald’s is well-known for its crisp fries. They’re actually one of my favorites when it comes to fast-food options. Yet, getting your fix will cost you significantly more today.

In 2019, the cost of a medium fry in Los Angeles was $1.78, a reasonable price to pay. Today, however, those same fries will now set you back $4.19. That’s a 134.1% increase.

McChicken

The McChicken is a simple chicken patty on a bun, but it’s oh-so-good. It’s also oh so much more expensive these days.

Back in 2019, one of these little sandwiches cost only $1.29, making them a great lunch option on the go. Today, however, the price has shot up 201.6% to $3.89. That may not seem like much, but if you order two or more, you’re gonna feel that hit.

Big Mac

This is McDonald’s most notable sandwich, its trademark meal option. In the United States alone, the chain sells 550 million of them each year.

However, it’s also shot up in price from $3.99 in 2019 to $7.49 in 2024. That’s an eye-opening 87.7% increase, and that doesn’t even include the fries and drink!

10 McNuggets

If you’re a nugget fan like me, you’ll likely pay almost anything to get your mouth on those crunchy bites of pure deliciousness. But you’re definitely going to feel the pinch on your wallet.

Today, a 10-piece nugget is $7.58, a 68.8% increase over the 2019 menu, when it was just $4.49.

Cheeseburger

The basic cheeseburger, however, has taken the biggest hit price-wise. They used to be an item featured on the dollar menu, a relic of times past.

Today, you’ll pay 215% more for that same cheeseburger, a cost of $3.15. While that’s still cheaper than other fast-food restaurants, loyal McDonald’s lovers are certainly feeling the sting.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell is that late-night drive-thru when you’re coming home from a concert or sporting event and need something to eat now.

While its basic items, such as a spicy potato taco and cheesy bean and rice burrito, have increased 19%, other items have fared worse and will definitely hit your wallet that much harder.

Beefy 5-Layer Burrito

Taco Bell’s beefy 5-layer burrito is a hit with the masses. It used to be less than a dollar, but is much more today.

In 2019, the price of a beefy 5-layer burrito was a mere $1.69. That was more than double its launch price, but still doable. Today, though, if you have a craving, you can expect to pony up $3.69, a 118.3% increase in just five years.

Nachos Bellgrande

If you’re a nacho aficionado, chances are you’ve swung by Taco Bell for some cheesy, crunchy goodness. Who wouldn’t when they’re just a few dollars?

Yet… now they cost even more and you might entertain the idea of making them at home. In 2019, a plate of chips with beef, cheese, and a few toppings cost $3.29 without extras added. Today, that same plate is 79% more expensive with a base cost of $5.89.

Crunchwrap Supreme

In 2005, Taco Bell upped the ante when it introduced its crunchwrap supreme. It was so popular, the restaurant made it a permanent offering the following year.

But, like all good things, the price of the crunchwrap supreme is more today than it was years ago. The same meal that cost $3.49 in 2019 is now $5.29, a 51.6% increase.

Chick-fil-A

Though it may seem like a newer restaurant to some, Chick-fil-A has been around for decades. Its first location opened in 1967. Today, it has more than 3,000 locations in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

The chain’s slogan, “Eat Mor Chikin,” was a testament to its lack of burgers, though that has changed in some locations. What has also changed is the price of some its staple menu items.

Deluxe Chicken Sandwich

Image Credit: Shutterstock.The deluxe chicken sandwich, which comes in regular and spicy variations, is one of its top sellers. The crunchy patty on a bun is a fan favorite, even if it costs more today.

In 2019, the menu price for the deluxe chicken sandwich was $3.65. Today? You’ll pay 79.5% more, or $6.55, for the same item.

8-Piece Nuggets

Chick-fil-A has some of the healthiest nuggets on the market. They’re actually grilled chicken pieces, instead of processed nuggets, which are ground up and breaded, then fried.

The nuggets, which cost $3.05 in 2019 are now $5.99 for the same serving. That’s a 96.4% increase, but considering they’re absolutely delicious, many are still lining up in droves to buy them.

4 Chick-n-Strips

What? Another chicken meal going up in price? In the words of Weezer, say it ain’t so.

Sadly, the chicken strips haven’t been spared. A four-piece meal which cost $4.39 in 2019 is now $7.85, a 78.8% increase. And, that doesn’t include the meal option. For that, you’ll pay more.

Medium Waffle Fries

There’s something absolutely mouth-watering about waffle fries. They tend to be fluffier than regular fries and Chick-fil-A definitely makes them worth the drive.

However, like all of the rest of the menu items mentioned, the fries are more expensive today, ringing up at $2.99. That’s an 81.2% increase over 2019’s price of $1.65.

Large Milkshake

What’s a fast-food stop without a milkshake? Whether your guilty pleasure is vanilla, chocolate, or one of the other many options, like the seasonal banana pudding, it can’t be skipped.

However, that luxury is going to cost more. The price of a large milkshake has gone up more than 64% to $5.19 when it was once $3.15.