Prices seem to be climbing in every aspect of life, from streaming services to groceries. Fast-food restaurants, however, are attempting to counter rising costs by upping the ante on value menus, meal deals, and other ways for hungry consumers to save money.
USA TODAY looked at multiple fast-food restaurants’ menus, including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Taco Bell, to see what items you can get for $5 and some change. Here’s what we found.
Note: Prices below are based on restaurant locations in Chicago and may vary across the U.S.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s options range from breakfast to burgers. Starting with breakfast, customers can get handheld items for less than $5, including the Sausage McMuffin, English Muffin, Sausage Biscuit, Hot ‘N Spicy McChicken Biscuit, McChicken Biscuit, Sausage McGriddles, Chicken McGriddles, and Sausage Burrito.
For lunch and dinner, standout deals include the Ranch Snack Wrap ($3.79), Spicy Snack Wrap ($3.79), 4-piece Chicken McNuggets ($3.39), and 6-piece Chicken McNuggets ($4.99). Burgers and sandwiches under $5 include:
- Cheeseburger, $3.69
- Double Cheeseburger, $4.89
- Bacon Cheeseburger, $4.49
- Hamburger, $3.49
- Double Hamburger, $3.99
- McDouble, $4.59
- Daily Double burger, $4.89
- McChicken, $4.29
- Hot ‘N Spicy McChicken, $4.79
Individual items can be paired with fries ($3.09) and soft drinks ($1–$2), though adding sides may push the total over $5. The Hamburger Happy Meal costs $4.99 and includes a sandwich, kid-sized fries, apple slices, a drink, and a toy.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s Everyday Value menu includes eight items for less than $5:
- Jr. Cheeseburger, $0.99
- Jr. Cheeseburger Deluxe, $1.19
- Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, $1.60
- Double Stack burger, $1.79
- Bacon Double Stack burger, $2.99
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich, $0.99
- Crispy Chicken BLT, $1.69
- Jr. Hamburger, $0.99
Most individual sandwiches also fall under $5, including the Dave’s Single, Dave’s Double, Son of Baconator, and Big Bacon Classic. Chicken nugget orders (up to 10 pieces for $4.69), chili, fries, and baked potatoes are all under $5 as well.
Combo deals include:
- $4 Biggie Bites: Choose a Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Jr. Cheeseburger, Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, 4-piece nuggets, or Jr. Fry, plus a second item of 4-piece nuggets, Jr. Fry, or small soft drink.
- $5 Jr. Cheeseburger Biggie Bag: Jr. Cheeseburger, 4-piece nuggets, small fries, and a small soft drink.
Taco Bell
Many Taco Bell items fall in the $2–$5 range, making it easy to mix and match. Most tacos cost between $1 and $4, including the Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Tacos ($2.89). Burritos, including the Cheesy Double Beef Burrito and Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, also generally come in under $5.
Taco Bell’s Luxe Value Menu keeps items under $3. The $5 Classic Luxe Box is one of the chain’s best deals, including a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Crunchy Taco, Cinnamon Twists, and a medium fountain drink.
Chick-fil-A
Most Chick-fil-A meals run over $10, but several individual items come in under $5:
- 5-count Chick-fil-A Nuggets, $3.75
- 5-count Grilled Nuggets, $4.20
- 2-count Chick-n-Strips, $4.19
- Medium Mac & Cheese, $4.59
- Side Salad, $4.59
On the breakfast menu, the Sausage, Egg & Cheese Muffin; Bacon, Egg & Cheese Muffin; Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit; and Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit all fall below $5 before tax.
Starbucks
Starbucks food options are more limited, but several snacks come in under $5:
- Jalapeño Chicken Pocket, $3.95
- Spicy Falafel Pocket, $3.95
- Sausage, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich, $4.95
- Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich, $4.95
- Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap, $4.95
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ has an extensive breakfast sandwich lineup, with nearly all of its Wake-Up Wraps and sandwiches on bagels, croissants, and English muffins priced between $2 and $5. Other under-$5 options include a grilled cheese sandwich ($4.39), avocado toast ($3.89), and bacon avocado toast ($4.89).
Subway
Subway’s new Protein Pockets — tortilla wraps filled with different meats — are $3.99 each and come in Turkey & Ham, Italian Trio, Peppercorn Ranch Chicken, and Baja Chicken varieties. Note that these are listed as a limited-time offer.
A more reliable deal is Subway’s “Meal of the Day,” which offers a 6-inch sub for $4.99. Add a drink, chips, or cookies for $2 more. Each day of the week features a different sub:
- Sunday: Spicy Italian
- Monday: Meatball Marinara
- Tuesday: Classic Tuna
- Wednesday: Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki
- Thursday: Oven-Roasted Turkey
- Friday: Black Forest Ham
- Saturday: Italian B.M.T.
Reporting by Kate Perez, USA TODAY.
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