21 Cheap Fast Food Places for Budget-Friendly Meals in 2024
With the cost of living continually on the rise, it can be a struggle to find anything affordable, including cheap fast food. Gone are the days of dollar menus and cheap meals that don't put a dent in the wallet — at least, for the most part. While prices have continued to rise, there are still eateries that offer meals that would fall into the category of 'cheap fast food.' We're here to help you discover what cheap fast food offers the best bang for your buck.
From juicy burgers to affordable desserts and other sweet treats, there are still a few fast food deals to be enjoyed. Follow along for delicious and cheap fast food options that satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.
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The 21 Cheapest Fast Food Restaurants
1. McDonald's
Over the past several years, the average price of the burger has hit over 16 dollars. It is absolutely astronomical that the average price of a hamburger is more than double the price of minimum wage in America. Luckily, McDonald's still has a few affordable hamburger options.
The signature McDonald's Big Mac features two thin patties double stacked with a bun and drizzled with the famous secret Big Mac sauce. By itself, this sandwich costs around five dollars on average, but the price of fast food changes depending on where you are. McDonald's also has a decent dollar menu featuring cheap fast food options like the McDouble, McChicken and chicken nuggets, all for under three dollars.
2. In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger is a chain that gained popularity in California before expanding across the globe. Famous for having some of the ​​best fast food burgers, it offers decent quality for the prices paid. The Double Double, cheeseburger and hamburger all come in at under five dollars, making them great cheap fast food choices.
3. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is famous for its thick Frosties and the five-dollar value meal that both live up to the hype. This cheap fast food place uses fresh beef that is never frozen for a fresher-tasting burger. Wendy’s new meal deals feature a selection of different burgers, fries and nuggets, all available at a relatively cheap price.
4. Burger King
With "burger" literally in its name, Burger King has to be included in the cheap fast food burger lineup. This classic grab-and-go eatery offers classic burgers, chicken sandwiches and crispy deep-fried sides like onion rings and French fries. Check out the cheap meal deals, reasonably priced burgers and chicken nuggets if you are looking for a cheap fast food meal fit for a king.
5. Rally’s
Rally’s is a cheap fast food joint serving jumbo cheeseburgers, fresh hot dogs, chicken and battered and seasoned fries. This regional chain has an alter-ego known as Checkers in certain areas that serves the same menu as Rally’s. If you are looking for cheap fast food burgers that are filling and tasty, Rally’s is worth a visit.
6. Popeyes
The Popeyes chicken sandwich is all the rage, and for good reason. As one of the world's best chicken fast food chains, Popeyes is popular for its zesty flavors and affordable prices. If you want to stretch your dollar to the max, try the Popeyes family meal, which includes a large portion of chicken and family-sized fries to feed your whole family for less.
7. KFC
There’s nothing quite like digging into a fresh bucket of fried chicken. As one of the original fast food chicken restaurants, KFC has made a name for itself with its crispy and crunchy fried chicken. Luckily, these large chicken buckets are still one of the best deals you can grab at the fast food window. If you are looking for a cheap fast food option to feed a large group of people, KFC will do the trick.
8. Chik-fil-A
Don’t miss out on what is rated by many as the best fast food chicken sandwich in the game. Famed for its great service and unwavering dedication to upholding rigorous standards, Chik-fil-A is both affordable and delicious. With a classic menu featuring mild and spicy chicken sandwiches, Chik-fil-A is a cheap fast food spot you don’t want to miss.
9. Taco Bell
While Taco Bell definitely doesn’t serve the most authentic Mexican food in town, it's often the cheapest. This beloved late-night taco joint serves crispy tacos, burritos and quesadillas, with a fast food twist. Many of the items on the Taco Bell menu cost under five dollars, making it a cheap fast food place to snag a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
10. Chipotle
Chipotle is a fast counter-service restaurant serving fresh baja-inspired Mexican cuisine. While it is a bit pricier than most fast food spots, the hulking portions give budget-conscious diners a filling meal that will probably result in leftovers to enjoy later.
This cheap fast food restaurant features fresher ingredients and more vegetable options when compared to other eateries. Because of its commitment to high-quality ingredients, Chipotle is one of the healthiest fast food chains for those on a diet and on a budget.
11. Rubio's Coastal Grill
Craving a more authentic taco but don’t want to overspend? Rubio’s Coastal Grill serves affordable fish tacos that are unbelievably fresh and tasty. The menu offers a wide variety of authentic Latin-American cuisine, including zesty street corn, hefty burritos and fish tacos. This cheap fast food joint also sells multiple meal deals for under 10 dollars.
12. Dunkin' Donuts
America runs on Dunkin' Donuts because its breakfast options offer multiple great deals. This popular cheap fast food chain sells fresh roasted coffee, doughnuts and breakfast pastries. With some of the cheapest coffee around and a deliciously sweet donut selection, Dunkin' Donuts is a great option for saving a buck while starting your day.
13. Sonic
Sonic is a drive-in style fast food restaurant that serves classic fast food, custom soft drinks and flavored milkshakes. Known for its massive drink menu featuring dozens of flavor combinations, this restaurant also has cheap fast food breakfast options.
The junior breakfast burritos only cost a few dollars, and if you prefer a sweet breakfast, the French toast sticks are a budget-friendly treat. Sonic also offers delicious iced coffees sweetened with its famous vanilla soft serve ice cream.
14. Del Taco
Head to Del Taco for affordable options to fuel your busy day. Established in the 1960s in California, this cheap fast food eatery has something enticing for every meal time. Notably, if you're looking for some of the cheapest fast food breakfast, you'll want to check out Del Taco's well-priced breakfast tacos, breakfast burritos and combo meals. You can also look forward to deals on the app for low-budget lunches and dinners.
15. Bojangles
Famous for its biscuit breakfast meals, Bojangles is another go-to option for cheap fast food breakfasts. Enjoy a plethora of Southern breakfast favorites like the biscuits and gravy, the hearty chicken fried steak biscuit and the spicy Cajun chicken biscuit, all available for a reasonable price. Indulge in some of the best Carolina-born cheap fast food at Bojangles.
16. Hardee’s
Interested in trying one of the best fast food breakfasts in the country? Hardee’s is another Carolina-born fast food place that has since expanded across the country. Known for its scratch-made biscuits, this restaurant is a great place to grab a filling and affordable breakfast.
Indulge your sweet tooth with the famous iced blueberry biscuit or try the double-decker super sausage biscuit. No matter where your preferences lie, Hardee's is the place to be for a Southern homestyle biscuit that won’t break the bank.
17. Subway
While it is known for its healthy sandwich options packed with fresh vegetables and deli meat, Subway also has a delicious dessert menu. It offers cheap fast food cookies and churros for those with a sweet tooth. Go big with the warm footlong cookie or keep it simple with a six-pack of assorted cookie flavors. Don’t let low funds hold you back from enjoying a sweet treat at Subway.
18. Dairy Queen
Don’t miss out on some of the best best fast food desserts at Dairy Queen. This popular chain offers decadent ice cream Blizzards and dipped ice cream cones that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Explore seasonal Blizzard options for a cool and refreshing dessert that won’t blow your budget. Overall, Dairy Queen is a great stop for cheap fast food desserts that everyone will enjoy.
19. Jack in the Box
This unique eatery has some of the cheapest fast food meals available. Known for its extremely cheap tacos and satisfying burgers, Jack in the Box also has an intriguing dessert selection. Sip on a thick mixed shake or cut into a piece of chocolate cake for the perfect midnight snack that won’t drain your bank account.
20. Little Ceasars
Want to enjoy a hot and ready pizza that is cheaper than the frozen grocery store option? Little Ceasars has long been a favorite for busy diners on a budget. The quick service and piping hot extra cheesy pizzas make Little Ceasars a standout cheap fast food joint. Recently crowned the cheapest fast food in America, Little Ceasars is a delicious way to feed many people for the best price possible.
21. Pizza Hut
Pizza can be a great way to get a few meals for the price of one, and that's exactly what Pizza Hut promises. The large pizza deals offer great quality pizza for a reasonable price. Explore the regional offerings available near you and score a delicious cheap fast food meal that will fill everyone's stomachs.
What Is the Cheapest Fast Food Chain in the US?
Where can you get the cheapest fast food meals in the US? Objectively speaking, Little Caesars reigns supreme as the fast food chain in the country with the best prices. If you aren’t a fan of pizza, Burger King is the cheapest option for a burger and fries, also offering well-priced chicken nuggets for chicken lovers. Craving late-night tacos and sweets? Jack in the Box sells the cheapest tacos on the market, open until late to fit any schedule.
Don’t let the rising cost of living keep you from enjoying a classic fast food meal. There are so many affordable meal options for those looking to save a buck without scrimping on flavor. From hot and ready pizzas to double-decker burgers and fries, there is a cheap fast food restaurant to fit every budget.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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