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Fast food is now a luxury. My family and I have completely limited our fast-food outings. Just ordering a basic meal can cost close to $15, and it’s easy to spend even more. Some places have become Insanely Overpriced Fast Food Chains, charging premium prices for what was once an affordable meal.
Being shocked by a food bill is sure to leave a bad taste in anyone’s mouth. So when you do plan an outing, make sure you consider the cost of where you will eat rather than just your favorite meals. At these prices, a sit-down restaurant with a more comfortable ambiance where you can better enjoy visiting with friends and family might be a more affordable choice.
So, to help you have the best experience, I chose 14 ridiculously expensive fast-food chains you should be aware of. Many of the restaurants on this list come from my own experience and occasionally wrecked budget. Here are 14 insanely overpriced fast-food chains you shouldn’t bother with.
1. Chipotle
Chipotle charges awful prices for meals. Even without added extras, a burrito bowl costs at least $13. And most of the time, the burrito bowl isn’t even full! It used to be that you could easily get two meals out of one bowl, which made the price point easier to swallow. But now it just feels like a rip-off.
I’m a bit biased about this listicle item because of how many times I’ve eaten cold and expensive Chipotle. Honestly, chipotle burritos and bowls are super easy to make at home and a lot cheaper.
2. POPEYES
I love fried chicken. If it were up to me and fried food were healthier, I’d eat it every day. Sadly, that’s not the case. It’s also super expensive in most fast-food spots, including Popeyes.
Popeyes has always been a little more expensive, but it’s gotten ridiculous. My local Popeyes charges $18 for a five-piece chicken tender meal. Sure, costs have gone up for everything, but these prices still seem out of line. How can we be certain the quality of ingredients even justifies the price hike?
3. Subway
Subway is one of the more affordable fast food options near me, but it’s still ridiculously priced. I wish the five-dollar footlongs were back. Now, it’s more like $9 a foot long, and that’s on the lower end.
At this point, Subway isn’t worth the price. It’s best to just buy your favorite bread, deli meats, and toppings. You’ll have sandwiches for weeks at home for a lot less.
4. Five Guys
Five Guys is a guilty pleasure, but I won’t lie to you—it’s way too expensive. As much as I love burgers, I only visit once every few months.
You can easily spend $15 on a burger alone —this doesn’t include any sides or drinks! Just a small fry runs about $6.
5. McDonald’s
McDonald’s is not what it used to be. Do you remember the days when this fast-food giant had a value menu? You could get so many items for $1 to $2. Not to mention, you practically have to do all the work by placing your order online, through the app, or at a kiosk in the lobby.
Those value days are long gone. Now, the ‘value’ menu includes items closer to $3 and more. Meals will also cost more than $10.
6. Burger King
Where I live, Burger King is a little more affordable than McDonald’s. Still, buying Burger King is a treat because of the high cost. Sure, for just one person, a $12 meal is nothing. But imagine trying to feed a family of five. It would cost a lot more than just $50 for five separate meals.
7. Wendy’s
Like the five-dollar footlong, I wish the four-for-four was back. It was such an excellent deal. While there are still specials at Wendy’s, they’ve gone up! Now you can get a biggie bag, but it’s $5 to $7. Sure, it’s just a few dollars more, but every penny counts when you’re trying to save money.
8. Panera Bread
Panera is another fast-food and casual restaurant I’ve stopped dining in. While I do love the fresh onion soup, I can’t justify paying $8 for it, and the sandwiches are just as expensive.
Even the lunch specials cost you more than $15 and don’t always include drinks. This spot has definitely become more of a treat than a staple.
9. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A has never been known for its affordable prices. While true, they’ve gotten out of hand. Even with inflation, a chicken sandwich meal at Chick-fil-A should not cost more than $12. With that price, forget about adding extras or upgrading sizes. Still, I do love Chick-fil-A’s ice cream.
10. KFC
I can’t remember the last time I bought KFC. This used to be a weekly meal for my family. The family deals featuring a bucket of chicken and multiple sides fed the five of us perfectly. But now, the price is too high to justify.
Instead, it’s easier and cheaper to buy fried chicken from a local grocery store with sides. My family and I now head to Publix for their chicken and coleslaw.
11. Pizza Hut
When I was young, Pizza Hut was one of my favorite fast-food restaurants. The one nearest to my childhood home also had a lunch buffet. It was delicious, affordable, and convenient.
Pizza Hut isn’t the same anymore. While the pizza giant still offers specials, they aren’t worth it. Buying frozen pizzas is better for your pocket anyway.
12. Jack in the Box
The first time I had Jack in the Box was a few years ago in Texas. We lived just a block away from one. Although good, I soon was spending way too much money each week on this fast food chain.
Thankfully, I don’t live near a Jack in the Box anymore. The temptation is gone, so my wallet can breathe again.
13. Starbucks
Starbucks has been expensive for a long time. I stopped drinking it, but when I used to, it was considered a rare treat. A small frappuccino for $6 doesn’t sound bad, but it adds up. Consider that other coffee shops sell frappes and lattes for nearly half the price of a Starbucks drink.
14. Shake Shack
Last but not least is the overly expensive Shake Shack. This fast-food spot is another restaurant that has never been known for its affordability. Still, the prices have gotten a lot worse.
Now, good luck finding a meal at Shake Shack for less than $15. The milkshakes by themselves cost about $6.
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