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15 Fast Food Chains That Cost More Than You’d Expect

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Fast food is supposed to be cheap and quick, but some chains have flipped the script—charging premium prices for meals that aren’t exactly gourmet. With prices that could rival sit-down restaurants, these 15 fast-food chains will make you wonder if convenience is really worth the cash. Let’s take a closer look at which of these fast-food spots might be worth skipping if you’re aiming to keep your budget in check.

Subway

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Subway’s “Eat Fresh” slogan doesn’t always translate to affordable. With basic footlongs nearing the $10 mark, adding extras like avocado or double meat only drives the price up further. Considering the modest portion sizes and the fact that many customers feel like other sandwich chains offer better value for the same or lower price, Subway’s pricing feels inflated.

Popeyes

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While Popeyes has become famous for its fried chicken and iconic chicken sandwich, the cost of a combo meal often climbs above $12. Not to mention, premium sides and drinks push prices higher. Many fans agree the taste is good, but it’s hard to justify the price compared to other chicken joints.

Wendy’s

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Wendy’s may have a fresh burger philosophy, but some of its meal deals come at a surprisingly high cost. Premium sandwiches, like their Baconator, can cost upwards of $12 for just the burger. Add fries and a drink, and you’re suddenly looking at prices far beyond typical fast food expectations.

KFC

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KFC’s famous fried chicken is undeniably delicious, but it’s also undeniably expensive. Their family meal deals can set you back $30 or more, and even individual combo meals can be priced around $12-$15. While they claim to offer premium chicken, the cost doesn’t always match the fast-food experience.

McDonald’s

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McDonald’s, a staple of fast food, has slowly become pricier over the years. Specialty burgers like the Big Mac or Quarter Pounder with Cheese Bacon can now set you back nearly $8, and combo meals often run upwards of $10. The iconic Dollar Menu is long gone, and it’s easy to spend $15 on what used to be a budget-friendly meal.

Shake Shack

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Shake Shack’s burgers are high-quality, but with an average meal costing over $15, it’s hard to justify the price when compared to other burger chains. The upscale ingredients, like hormone-free beef and crinkle-cut fries, are good, but the cost often feels more like a fine-dining experience than fast food.

Chipotle

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Chipotle is beloved for its fresh ingredients and customizable meals, but a burrito bowl with all the fixings can easily run you close to $15. Add extras like guacamole or double protein, and you’re in for an expensive “fast-casual” meal that feels more expensive than other burrito spots.

Pizza Hut

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With the rise of more affordable pizza chains and local pizzerias offering better deals, Pizza Hut’s menu seems significantly more expensive. A large pizza can easily hit $20, and specialty pizzas or add-ons like stuffed crust inflate the price even more. The overall quality of ingredients and the dining experience don’t always live up to the premium price tag.

Panera Bread

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Panera’s combination of soups, sandwiches, and salads has a loyal following, but the prices often rival sit-down restaurant meals. A typical “You Pick Two” meal can easily hit $15, which feels excessive when considering the portion sizes and fast-casual atmosphere.

Jamba Juice

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You can find a variety of smoothies and fresh juices here, but their premium prices can be shocking. A standard smoothie can cost $8-$10, and if you add protein, greens, or other extras, the price keeps climbing for a blended drink, which can feel steep compared to other beverage chains.

Five Guys

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Five Guys offers fresh, made-to-order burgers and fries, but their prices are often closer to gourmet than fast food. With burgers costing around $15 and fries adding another $6, a meal can easily run over $20—a price you’d expect at a sit-down burger joint, not a fast-food chain.

Jack in the Box

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Jack in the Box positions itself as an affordable fast-food option, but it often leaves customers wondering why their bills are so high. Combo meals easily approach $10-$12 or more, and even its famously diverse menu items—like tacos, burgers, and breakfast—seem overpriced for what they deliver.

Chick-fil-A

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Compared to other fast-food chains, Chick-fil-A tends to charge more for its meals, with a Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich meal costing around $15. While the chain prides itself on premium ingredients and fresh preparation, many customers find it difficult to justify spending so much when similar chicken sandwiches at other restaurants cost significantly less.

Nando’s

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Nando’s peri-peri chicken is delicious, but their prices often fall on the higher end of fast food. A chicken meal with sides can easily cost $20, which feels more like fine dining than fast food. For grilled chicken, the prices seem out of proportion to what’s offered.

Starbucks

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Starbucks may have revolutionized the coffee industry, but it’s also notorious for its high prices. A simple cup of coffee can cost double what you’d pay at other coffee shops, and specialty drinks like the Frappuccino or the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte push prices even higher—often exceeding $6 for a single cup.

Written by Castillo Rancon

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