San Francisco has the highest fast food prices in the US: study

(KRON) — For decades, fast food chains have been a go-to for millions of Americans to snag a quick and cheap meal. However, amid the ever-increasing rate of inflation, that isn’t so much the case anymore — especially in San Francisco.

According to a recent study by LendingTree, San Francisco is home to the highest-priced fast food. The most prominent city in the Bay Area was listed as the most expensive in multiple categories.

San Francisco has the highest cost of a “flagship” fast food meal in the United States, the study finds. The average cost of that meal is $13.88. Seattle came in second at $13.48.

LendingTree: Most Expensive Fast Food Meals in US

1. San Francisco: $13.88
2. Seattle: $13.48
3. Los Angeles: $13.45
4. New York: $13.33
5. Sacramento, CA: $13.21
6. San Diego: $13.04
7. San Jose, CA: $13.03
8. Riverside, CA: $13.01

New York was the only other non-California city in the top 8 for most expensive.

It shouldn’t come to a surprise that most of the expensive fast food prices are in California. Part of the high fast food prices has to do with the $20 minimum wage for fast food workers in California that went into effect last year.

With the rising costs of fast food, nearly 80 percent of Americans consider fast food a luxury, according to a study LendingTree published in 2024.

What is considered a ‘flagship’ fast food meal?

LendingTree defined a flagship meal by selecting five of the most well-known fast food chains in the country and each of their most popular combo meal. Those chains are Burger King, Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Wendy’s.

• Burger King: Whopper Meal (medium)
• Chick-fil-A: Sandwich Meal
• McDonald’s: Big Mac Combo Meal
• Taco Bell: Crunchwrap Supreme Combo
• Wendy’s: Dave’s Double Combo

“Analysts collected prices for a standard fast food meal, including an entree, side (typically fries) and drink, in urban ZIP codes across the 50 largest U.S. metros,” LendingTree wrote. “When a restaurant wasn’t in the target ZIP code, prices were collected from the nearest location.”

Even if the cost of the same meal combo is being analyzed, prices may vary depending on the location chain where that meal is being served.

There is no Wendy’s or Chick-fil-A in San Francisco, but they both have locations in nearby Daly City.