Cheeseburger Prices Vary Significantly Across the U.S.

Cheeseburgers, fries, and soda are staples of American comfort food, but the price for this trio can differ quite a bit based on location, as highlighted by the Cheeseburger Index.

According to the latest data, Austin, Texas boasts the lowest average cost for this meal at just $12.94. In contrast, Anchorage, Alaska, registers the highest average price at $28.28. DoorDash attributes these differences to lower operating costs in Southern and Southeastern cities, which influences the overall affordability of both grocery and restaurant prices.

The top ten most affordable cities are primarily found in the Midwest and Texas, with Laredo, Texas ($13.39), Lincoln, Nebraska ($13.86), Detroit ($14.99), and Philadelphia ($15.41) making up the top five. This stark variance in meal prices occurs even as the overall cost of dining out continues to climb, alongside the generally stable prices of many essential food items.

This year, the cost of a cheeseburger meal has increased by 3.2%, according to research from DoorDash. Although rising beef prices have drawn attention, the increases likely stem from broader operational costs like labor, rent, and utilities—not solely from food prices. This may explain why a meal in Austin costs less than $13, while in Anchorage, it exceeds twice that amount.

DoorDash’s chief analytics officer, Jessica Lux, noted that the Cheeseburger Index helps illustrate the diverse economies across the country. “It’s not just one economy; there are many regional economies,” Lux stated, emphasizing the regional pricing variations reflected in everyday consumer costs.

The Cheeseburger Index is part of a larger set of affordability metrics included in the Regional Commerce Report, which also features the Breakfast Basics Index and the Everyday Essentials Index. Some analyses suggest that, while the prices for everyday household items have remained level, certain food prices are beginning to increase again.

Interestingly, while egg prices have dipped—contributing to lower grocery expenses—avocado and milk prices have experienced notable increases of 12.4% and 8.3%, respectively, quarter-over-quarter.

Lux remarked on the usefulness of the Cheeseburger Index in simplifying complex data into relatable figures. “How much would it cost to order the same cheeseburger, fries, and drink every month? It really showcases how prices fluctuate,” she added.