If you’ve felt your wallet take a hit during your last fast-food run, you’re not imagining things — a new study shows just how much takeout prices vary from state to state.
From nearly $19 pizzas in Hawaii to $3 Big Macs in Mississippi, the cost of convenience food looks very different depending on where you live.
According to research from Gaming Gadgets, Hawaii officially tops the list as the most expensive state for takeout, with sky-high prices across McDonald’s, Domino’s, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell.
Meanwhile, Mississippi takes the crown as the most affordable, serving up the cheapest Big Mac in the country at just $3.91.
The Price of Convenience, State by State
The study compared the average prices of four fast-food favorites — a McDonald’s Big Mac, a Domino’s medium cheese pizza, a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, and a Taco Bell combo meal — in every U.S. state.
Each was scored and averaged to reveal the most and least expensive places to grab a quick bite.
The Most Expensive States for Takeout
If you’re eating out in Hawaii, brace yourself — everything from burgers to burritos costs more.
A Domino’s medium cheese pizza averages $18.99, while a Big Mac costs $5.31, both the highest in the nation. Paradise might be beautiful, but it’s not cheap.
Next on the list is New York, where prices are roughly 18% higher than the national average. Interestingly, while New Yorkers pay steep prices for burgers and tacos, pizza — unsurprisingly — is more reasonable here, only about 3% above the national norm.
New Jersey and California follow closely behind, both seeing inflated prices across the board. In California, a Big Mac costs $1.20 more than in the cheapest states, while a Domino’s pizza sets you back nearly $15.
Even Maryland rounds out the top five with its pricey $3.84 Chick-fil-A sandwiches and $7.30 Taco Bell meals.
Rounding out the top ten are Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington, and New Hampshire, all posting takeout costs well above the national average.
The Most Affordable States for Fast Food
At the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi offers true fast-food relief, where a Big Mac costs just $3.91 — and you can snag a Chick-fil-A sandwich for under $3. That’s almost 12% less than the national average.
Arkansas and Alabama follow as runner-ups for affordability, with most menu items clocking in about 10% cheaper than elsewhere.
Nebraska deserves a special shoutout too: a medium Domino’s pizza costs just $11.99, a whopping $7 less than in Hawaii.
Other budget-friendly states include Kentucky, South Dakota, Iowa, Oklahoma, Ohio, North Dakota, and Missouri — all offering takeout savings that might just make you rethink cooking dinner.
What’s Driving the Price Divide?
According to Nico Arnold, spokesperson for Gaming Gadgets, the study highlights how everyday costs — even something as simple as a burger — can reveal regional economic realities.
“While Hawaii’s high prices aren’t surprising given shipping costs, it’s fascinating to see how something as basic as a pizza can cost nearly $19,” Arnold said.
“Meanwhile, in states like Mississippi and Arkansas, residents can still enjoy their favorite fast-food meals without breaking the bank.”
The data also reflects regional food culture. In New York, pizza prices are relatively low despite the state’s overall expense — proving that when it comes to slices, competition keeps things grounded.
What It All Means
Fast food might still be considered a quick, affordable option, but these numbers show that affordability depends heavily on your ZIP code. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to squeeze wallets nationwide, even the drive-thru isn’t immune.
Whether you’re paying nearly $20 for a pizza in Hawaii or saving a few bucks in Mississippi, one thing’s for sure — the price of convenience has never been so regional.
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