New data reveals the cheapest states for takeout
- Mississippi claims the title of the most affordable state for fast food, boasting the lowest average cost for a Big Mac nationwide at just $3.91.
- The study analyzed the average price of four popular US takeaways in each state, revealing the most expensive and affordable areas for takeout.
- Hawaii stands out as the priciest state for takeaways, leading in costs across McDonald’s, Domino’s, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell.
A new study has revealed the cheapest US states to buy takeout food – Mississippi has been named the most affordable state.
The study, conducted by saving experts BravoDeal, utilized data on the average price of a popular menu item from four of the most beloved US takeaways: a McDonald’s Big Mac, a Domino’s medium cheese pizza, a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, 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.
Mississippi has been crowned the most affordable state, boasting the lowest cost of a Big Mac at just $3.91 – almost 12% less than the national average. The state also has the cheapest Chick-fil-A prices, with residents paying less than $3 for a chicken sandwich on average.
Arkansas wins the silver medal for the second-most affordable state. Residents and visitors to Arkansas can expect to pay 9.7% less than other states for their takeaways, with a Big Mac costing just $3.95.
In third place comes Alabama, with a bargain price of just $5.79 for a Taco Bell combo meal. Compared to the national average of $6.40, that’s a 9.5% savings.
Fourth place goes to Nebraska, which has the cheapest pizzas in the US. At just $11.99, a Domino’s medium cheese pizza in Nebraska is almost 15% cheaper than the national average and a massive $7 more affordable than the most expensive state – Hawaii. That means that Nebraska residents could get a Domino’s pizza, a Big Mac, and a Chic-fil-A sandwich, all for the same price as just a pizza in the most expensive state.
Kentucky ranks as the fifth cheapest state for takeaway, where a Taco Bell combo meal costs 8.6% less than the national average – just $5.85 on average. The budget-friendly takeaway trend continues with McDonald’s, too, where a Big Mac costs just $4.03.
Cheapest states to buy a 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 |
In sixth place, South Dakota offers a Big Mac for just $3.99 – a whopping 9.6% less than the national average. South Dakotans can also expect similarly cheap takeaways elsewhere, with Chick-fil-A prices sitting at 9.4% below the average – the third most affordable in the country.
Seventh place is awarded to Iowa and Oklahoma, which had identical prices in the study and cost an average of 7.6% less than the US in general. In addition, the states boast the fourth cheapest Domino’s prices, at just $12.99 for a medium cheese pizza.
Ohio’s takeaway prices are 6.5% below the national average, ranking it eighth. For McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Chick-fil-A, Ohio rates the same as Kentucky, up in sixth place, but 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 $12.99, the joint fourth cheapest in the country. Other takeaways are similarly cheap; for example, a Big Mac will set North Dakotans back just $4.11 on average.
Finally, rounding out the top ten is Missouri, where a Big Mac costs less than $4, the fourth cheapest average price in the US. However, residents should be more wary of ordering pizza, as, on average, it costs $14.99 for a medium cheese Domino’s pizza, the fourth most expensive in the US.
On the other end of the scale, the study also revealed the most expensive states for takeout food.
Hawaii tops the ranking and has been named the most expensive state to buy a takeaway, with the priciest menu item across all four restaurants. With a staggering average price of $18.99 for a Domino’s medium cheese pizza and $5.31 for a McDonald’s Big Mac, residents and visitors may need to budget carefully for their fast-food indulgences.
Unsurprisingly, New York has been named the second least affordable state for takeaways. The state offers the second-most expensive prices for McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell, around 18.5% more expensive than the average state. However, New York’s love of pizza shines through, with the price for a Domino’s medium cheese pizza in thirteenth place – barely 3.22% more than the national average.
New Jersey is the third most expensive state, with an average price tag on a McDonald’s Big Mac of $5.19. Residents also suffer from expensive Taco Bell prices, with a Combo Meal costing a huge $7.53. That said, New Jersey’s Domino’s prices don’t follow this trend, as a medium pizza costs just $13.99, the 20th most expensive in the country, and a whole $5 cheaper than the same pizza in Hawaii.
In fourth place, California also has some of the most expensive takeaways in the country. At $14.99, a Domino’s medium cheese pizza in California is the fourth most expensive in the country. What’s more, a McDonald’s Big Mac costs $5.11, $1.20 more than the cheapest state.
Fifth place goes to Maryland, where the average Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich costs $3.84 – 14% more than the national average. In addition, a Taco Bell meal costs almost a dollar more than the national average, sitting at a pricey $7.30.
Most expensive states to buy a 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 | 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 |
In sixth place is Alaska, where takeaways were overall 11.3% more expensive than average. A Domino’s medium cheese pizza in Alaska costs a huge $15.99, ranking as the third most expensive state to get a pizza.
In seventh place is Connecticut, where McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell are all around 12% more expensive than the national average. In fact, a Big Mac in Connecticut will set you back $4.95 on average, so residents should be wary of their burger-eating habits.
Massachusetts ranks as the eighth most expensive state for fast food; on average, a Chick-fil-A sandwich costs $3.72. Residents should watch their budgets and consider cooking at home instead of getting a takeaway.
Washington is ranked as the ninth most expensive place for fast food. It is another state with pricey pizzas, at $16.99 for a Domino’s medium cheese pizza – 21% more expensive than the national average.
Rounding out the top ten is New Hampshire, where a Taco Bell meal costs $7.01, and a Big Mac comes in at $4.83, making it another expensive state for a takeaway treat.
Commenting on the findings, Marco Farnararo, CEO and Co-Founder at Bravo Savings Network, 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 |
