From Big Macs to Domino’s: Study Reveals that Michigan is Home to Some of the Cheapest Fast-Food Prices in America

Article courtesy of Gaming Gadgets,

• New research has revealed that Michigan has the 22nd-cheapest fast food prices in the US, with residents typically spending less than the national average on fast food items like Big Macs and Domino’s pizzas.
• Hawaii stands out as the priciest state for fast food takeaways.
• The study analyzed the average price of four popular US takeaways in each state, revealing the most expensive and affordable areas for takeout.
• Mississippi claims the title of the most affordable state for takeaways, boasting the lowest average cost for a Big Mac nationwide at just $3.91.

A new study has revealed the most expensive and cheapest states to buy fast food.

The study, conducted by the research team at the online gaming magazine, Gaming Gadgets, 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 buy takeout.

Michigan’s Findings:

According to the data, Michigan places within the top 25 states with the cheapest fast food prices in America. On average, residents in Michigan can expect to pay $4.27 for a Big Mac from McDonald’s, which is almost 20% cheaper in comparison to New York’s cost of $5.23 for the same item.

The data shows that this is also over 3% cheaper than the national average cost for a Big Mac at $4.41.

Michigan residents also typically spend $12.99 on a medium pizza from Domino’s, which is one of the lowest figures in the study. Meanwhile, residents in Hawaii can expect to pay $18.99 for the same item.

For a Taco Bell combo meal, Michigan residents spend an average of $6.20, which is also cheaper than the national average cost of $6.40.

This study reflects how Michigan’s prices are significantly lower in comparison to locations like New York and Hawaii, making it easier for residents in the state to enjoy the occasional fast-food takeout without breaking the bank.

Nico Arnold, the spokesperson for Gaming Gadgets, commented: 

“It’s fascinating to observe how the cost of America’s fast-food staples, like McDonald’s and Taco Bell, can vary so much on a regional level.

“While Hawaii is known to have high cost-of-living rates, it’s extraordinary to see how a medium pizza can cost almost $19 for residents in the state. Given Hawaii’s remote island location, the costs of goods are driven up due to transportation expenses, which is why residents may be expected to pay over $5 for a Big Mac meal.

“This research also depicts how regional tastes can impact fast-food pricing. In New York, the price of pizza is relatively low in comparison to other takeaway places, emphasizing the state’s well-known love of the fast-food item.

“As fast food continues to be a staple for many Americans, it’s fascinating to see the economic divide play out in something as everyday as a burger or a slice of pizza.

“While fast food is typically regarded as an easy and cheap alternative, this research depicts how America’s cost-of-living crisis has driven up the price of fast-food staples in certain states.

“Ultimately, this study may make residents think twice before ordering from their favorite fast-food place in the future.”

The rest of the study:

Mississippi has been crowned the most affordable state for fast food, 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 Chick-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 takeout, 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.

Other affordable fast food states include South Dakota and Iowa.

Meanwhile, Hawaii is identified as the state with the most expensive fast food prices, home to the priciest menu items 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.

New York has been named the second least affordable state for takeout. 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 takeout prices 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.

This information was provided by the research team at the online gaming magazine, Gaming Gadgets.

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 complete ranking (from most expensive to cheapest):