If you’re budgeting carefully but still craving a burger, there are at least 10 U.S. cities that have you covered.
This month, DoorDash released its annual Cheeseburger Index, which tracks how much a full burger meal costs at eateries across the country.
Researchers examined prices from fast-food spots to sit-down restaurants to compile their data.
According to the Cheeseburger Index, the average cost of a meal featuring a cheeseburger has risen about 3.8% from September 2024 to September 2025, climbing from $17.90 to $18.58.
The study focused on cheeseburger prices in the 100 largest U.S. cities and discovered that the cheapest burgers are primarily located in the Midwest, Southwest, and Southeast.
So, here are the cities where you can grab a full cheeseburger meal (including fries and a drink) for less than $15.
1. Lincoln, Nebraska
As Nebraska’s capital, Lincoln has been noted as the most wallet-friendly spot for a cheeseburger. The average meal costs just $10.75, which is quite reasonable for residents and visitors alike.
2. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, famed for its beer, comes in second place. It’s notably the only Wisconsin city in the top 10 list, with average meal prices around $11.36, a strikingly lower figure compared to many other places.
3. Detroit, Michigan
While known for its unique pizza, Detroit is also a great place for burger lovers. The Cheeseburger Index indicates that a full meal here costs about $12.90.
4. Austin, Texas
Austin, often called the “Live Music Capital of the World,” offers not just great music but also affordable burgers. The average cost for a meal is approximately $13.24.
5. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
In Oklahoma City, the average cheeseburger meal price is around $13.96, highlighting the region’s affordability.
6. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, home to the University of Arizona, offers not just stunning desert views but also decent burger prices. A typical cheeseburger meal here averages $14.13.
7. Mesa, Arizona
Mesa, located east of Phoenix, ranks similarly with an average cheeseburger meal cost of about $14.25.
8. Dallas, Texas
Dallas’s average cheeseburger meal price is approximately $14.34, slightly higher than in Austin, contrasting with the state capital’s generally elevated home prices.
9. Orlando, Florida
Orlando offers affordable burger options too, especially appealing to tourists, with meal prices around $14.53.
10. Aurora, Colorado
Aurora, known for its picturesque mountain views, is the only city from the Mountain West to make the top 10, with an average cheeseburger meal cost of about $14.54.
