Cheapest Fast Food Menus in 2026
Lowest starting prices by chain
These are the cheapest everyday items on each menu. The lowest prices are usually sides, sauces or a single slice, so we also list where a full combo starts. This ranking covers the 11 chains we track. National dollar-menu chains like McDonald's and Taco Bell aren't included.
| Chain | Cheapest combo | Items start at |
| Raising Cane's | $6.49 | $0.49 (extra Cane's Sauce) |
| Little Caesars | $6.49 (Lunch Combo) | $0.79 (Crazy Sauce (cup)) |
| Jimmy John's | $6.99 with a side | $0.89 (Kickin' Ranch (jalapeno, cherry pepper & buttermilk dip)) |
| Wingstop | $9.99 | $0.99 (Dip (Ranch / Blue Cheese)) |
| Chick-fil-A | $8.89 | $1.45 (1% Chocolate Milk) |
| Whataburger | $5.00 | $1.49 (Apple Slices) |
| Culver's | $10.69 | $1.49 (Applesauce) |
| Dutch Bros | Drinks only | $1.95 (small Dutch Soda) |
| Dairy Queen | $7.00 (Meal Deal) | $1.99 (Dilly Bar) |
| Jersey Mike's | $6.99 | $1.99 (chips) |
| Five Guys | a la carte only | $1.99 |
Best value picks under $6
If you want a full meal for under $6, a Little Caesars HOT-N-READY pizza feeds more than one person for the price of a single combo elsewhere. A Jimmy John's Slim, a Whataburger value combo, or a junior burger with a small fry also land in this range. Skipping the drink saves about $2 to $3 on almost any order.
Which chains cost the most?
Made-to-order chains charge more for fresh prep. Five Guys and Culver's sit at the top, where one burger can pass $8 and a combo lands around $11 to $13. You get a larger, fresher meal, but you pay for it. For the full picture, see how much fast food costs.
Keep reading: combo meal prices compared, breakfast menu prices, and the Jimmy John's vs Jersey Mike's face-off for the cheaper sub.
FAQ
What is the cheapest fast food chain?
Little Caesars is one of the cheapest, known for low-cost HOT-N-READY pizza that feeds more than one person. Jimmy John's and other value chains also have items starting near $1. For a single cheap meal, a value chain beats a made-to-order chain.
What is the cheapest full meal at fast food?
A Little Caesars pizza is one of the cheapest full meals, often under $7 for something that feeds two. At most chains, the cheapest combo runs about $5 to $11. Skipping the drink and ordering a la carte lowers the price further.
How can I eat fast food on a budget?
Use the chain's app for rewards and app-only deals, order a single entree instead of a combo, and choose water over soda. Value chains and shared items like pizza or a nugget box give the most food per dollar.