Here’s How Much a Big Mac Costs in All 50 States

Dining out isn’t cheap these days — even a quick swing through the McDonald’s drive-thru can make a dent in your wallet.

A new report from CashNetUSA reveals that the average cost of a Big Mac across the United States now ranges between $4.67 and $6.72. The Chicago-based loan platform analyzed prices from around 100 metropolitan areas to get a nationwide snapshot of what Americans are paying for the fast-food staple.

The numbers reflect a significant trend: the price of a Big Mac has risen by approximately 141% over the past five years, according to Newsweek. That spike has shifted public perception of fast food as a budget-friendly option. In fact, a 2024 LendingTree report found that 78% of Americans now view fast food as a luxury.

To compile the data, researchers at CashNetUSA pulled in-app pricing from the McDonald’s App in February 2025. They examined menu prices from more than 130 cities, focusing on several restaurants in the city centers of the three most populous cities in each state.

The study didn’t just focus on the Big Mac itself. It also factored in prices for a Large Big Mac Meal, large fries, a Happy Meal, and a large Coke. After averaging prices by city and state, researchers compared them to the median hourly wage in each metro area to better assess affordability.

“Our report offers a relatable view of how far money goes,” said Matt Pelkey, content strategy manager at CashNetUSA, in an interview with Food & Wine. “And comparing Big Mac prices to local wages gives consumers a view of affordability rather than just price. This can help people make more informed decisions about their budgets.”

So, where can you get the best bang for your burger buck — and where will your money barely cover a bun?

The Best Deal? Head to Colorado 

When adjusted for local wages, Colorado came out on top as the most affordable state to buy a Big Mac. Maryland, Massachusetts, and Texas also offered relatively wallet-friendly pricing.

Texas, in particular, stands out for its low baseline price: in some parts of the state, a Big Mac costs just $4.67 — the cheapest average recorded in the country.

At the city level, San Jose, California, takes the crown for affordability. While a Big Mac meal there might run a steep $12.42, the city’s high average hourly wage of $39.17 makes the cost far more manageable for residents.

Seattle Tops the Price Charts — But Not Where You’d Expect

If you assumed San Francisco or Los Angeles would be the priciest places for a Big Mac, think again. According to the report, Seattle, Washington, leads the country with the highest average price: $7.06 for the burger alone.

Not far behind is Springfield, Massachusetts, where a Big Mac will cost you $6.96 — among the steepest prices on the East Coast.

“This could suggest that Big Mac prices don’t always follow typical cost-of-living patterns,” Pelkey noted.

Looking for a Deal? Texas Cities Deliver

If you’re planning a road trip and want to save a few bucks along the way, consider stopping in Texas. Cities like Austin, Houston, and Fort Worth all boast some of the lowest Big Mac prices nationwide.

In Austin, for example, you can expect to pay just $4.36 for the double-decker sandwich — well below the national average.

It might not be the first thing you factor into travel plans, but in an era of rising food costs, knowing where to find the cheapest Big Mac might just be worth the detour.