The Cheapest and Most Expensive States For Fast Food

Many people are speaking out about fast food prices with some saying that it is now a luxury because it has become so expensive. A survey conducted by LendingTree, an online loan marketplace, found that 3 out of 4 Americans typically eat fast food once a week, but 62% of respondents said they are eating it less frequently due to the cost.

In response to this, McDonald's and Burger King have each introduced $5 value meals featuring a sandwich, chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink, along with occasional promotions, such as Wendy's offering 1-cent bacon cheeseburgers for a week.

According to a new report, there may still be a few places with affordable fast food. BravoDeal, a savings-focused website, conducted a survey to determine which state had the least expensive and the most expensive fast-food choices. 

They considered factors such as the average price of a McDonald’s Big Mac, the average price of a medium cheese pizza from Domino’s, the average price of a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, and the average price of a combo meal at Taco Bell. From there, they ranked all 50 states from the lowest average price to the highest. 

Overall, the state with the lowest prices was Mississippi, where a Big Mac costs around $3.91, which they point out is over 10% lower than the national average. Its Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches were also the cheapest in the country. The top five include Arkansas, Alabama, Nebraska, and Kentucky. 

Regarding the most expensive places, Hawaii tops the list, with the most expensive prices across all four categories. The average Big Mac costs $5.31 in Hawaii and the medium pizza from Domino’s costs $18.99. After Hawaii, the next four most expensive states were New York, New Jersey, California, and Maryland. 

In a separate study carried out by the price-tracking website Pricelisto, they determined which state earned the title of the "Fast Food Capital" of the United States. This was based on the number of fast-food establishments in each state relative to its population. The analysis involved tallying up all the outlets from 22 different chains, encompassing major players like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Subway, as well as smaller franchises like In-N-Out and Raising Cane’s.

Their findings pinpointed West Virginia as the top contender for the title, boasting 888 fast-food restaurants. This translates to an average of 49.04 establishments for every 100,000 residents. Following closely behind were Kentucky (47.21 establishments per 100,000 residents), Kansas (47.1 establishments per 100,000 residents), Mississippi (46.71 establishments per 100,000 residents), and Ohio (46.63 establishments per 100,000 residents).

The states with the fewest per-capita fast food options were Alaska (30.82 establishments per 100,000 residents), California (30.05 establishments per 100,000 residents), Idaho (29.78 establishments per 100,000 residents), New York (29.47 establishments per 100,000 residents), and Vermont (27.65 establishments per 100,000 residents).

Lately, the subject of first dates occurring at chain restaurants has garnered significant attention. A recent survey asking women about their least preferred venues for first dates has ignited a debate on the internet. This list, which was shared on Instagram by @DuvalPromo, is reportedly the result of polling women to determine their least favored first-date locations.

Among the 28 establishments on the list are restaurant chains such as Applebee's, Chili's, and Denny's are featured. The top spot for the most unsuitable first date location is occupied by The Cheesecake Factory, followed by Applebee's, Chili's, Chipotle, and Olive Garden, rounding out the top five. It's worth noting that the list includes not only restaurants but also specific first-date situations, including "your house," family functions, a bar solely for drinks, and church.

Whether it's a first date or a casual meal, the question arises: Why do some people have reservations about restaurant chains?

According to Farm Credit Canada, a chain restaurant is defined as a business with four or more locations. These restaurants are typically large-scale operations with multiple branches, sometimes spanning different countries or continents.

The expansion of chain restaurants did not occur overnight. Many of them have humble origins in smaller, local establishments. For instance, the Cheesecake Factory, which currently operates over 300 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, began as a small bakery in Detroit and eventually evolved into The Cheesecake Bakery in Los Angeles in 1972, according to their website. It wasn't until the late '90s and early 2000s that additional locations began to appear.

Critics often express their reservations about chain restaurants, and there are valid reasons for their concerns. Many people prefer supporting local businesses over large corporations, as chain restaurant food is often mass-produced and served uniformly across various locations. Dining exclusively at upscale or independent establishments offers a sense of social prestige, something to brag about, and the feeling of indulging in a unique experience. However, ultimately, it's all about eating a meal.

There's something comforting about knowing that, for the most part, you can find something familiar to eat at any time and almost anywhere. Maybe that's why singer Walker Hayes dedicated his song Fancy Like, to the simple joys of eating a chain like Applebee's. So, let's chat about some of the reasons people actually enjoy dining at chain restaurants.

One of the advantages of dining at a chain restaurant is the predictability that comes with it. Local, independent establishments can be more hit-or-miss, often offering a more limited menu selection, which makes them a riskier choice for a date or group outing. When you open the menu, you can expect to find the same menu items prepared and presented consistently. Chain restaurants usually follow uniform recipes and they use the same ingredients, equipment, and standardized training procedures. You can expect a consistent experience whether you're in one part of the country or another. Restaurant chains are like your reliable pals on a road trip. You spot their logo on an exit sign, and you know it's there. It's that simple convenience that makes chain restaurants a go-to option, no matter where you are.

For many people, chain restaurants served as the primary dining option simply because they were the most accessible. You know how the place will look, how the wait staff is dressed, and how you are expected to dress at chain restaurants, ensuring a familiar dining experience wherever you go. Many diners have a soft spot for the food we know and love. It's like a comforting experience. Chain restaurant grub often brings back memories of late-night munchies after Friday night football games, college hangouts, and road trips.

Chain restaurants tend to be easier on the wallet compared to standalone establishments with more specialized menus and daily chef's specials. Most of us keep an eye on our dining budget and wouldn't want to feel like we've emptied our pockets for a single meal. That's why diners appreciate restaurant chains with Happy Hour, Budget Menus, and Late-Night deals.

Many local places struggle to seat larger groups, especially if you've got more than four people in your party. Unless you've made a reservation or a special request, you might end up waiting a while for enough room to open up, regardless of the size of your party. Additionally, local establishments sometimes arrange tables in closer proximity to maximize their limited space. Not everyone's a fan of dining elbow-to-elbow with strangers and involuntarily eavesdropping on neighboring conversations throughout their meal.