Burgers have always been the affordable staple of fast food. But lately, many chains have pushed prices sky-high, leaving customers questioning if a beef patty and bun are really worth it. From classic fast-food giants to trendy chains, diners are complaining about both cost and value. Some brands justify higher prices with fancy ingredients or all-natural claims—but customers aren’t buying it. Here’s a look at the 10 burger chains where your wallet may feel the burn.
Shake Shack Hits Your Wallet Hard
Shake Shack’s burgers can top $10 each, with combos over $20. Once seen as a premium casual option, its expansion and shift toward fast-food service make it tough to justify the cost. Fans say the burger quality hasn’t kept pace with the price, leaving many feeling overcharged for a standard patty, bun, and fries.
Wendy’s Price Surge
Wendy’s isn’t as cheap as it used to be. Even small items like the Jr. Cheeseburger jumped over a dollar in a single year. Combine higher costs with a perceived dip in quality, and customers are wondering if dining out is still worth it.
Five Guys: Fresh Ingredients, High Price
Five Guys prides itself on never-frozen beef and fresh toppings—but that comes at a premium. Burgers once priced around $5 can now exceed $15. Diners love the taste, but many question paying double for what is essentially bread and ground meat.
Carl’s Jr. Illusion of Affordability
With diner-style interiors, Carl’s Jr. looks cheap—but the menu tells a different story. A basic Single Big Carl burger costs $6.99, leaving customers shocked at how quickly costs add up. Even executives admit food affordability is an ongoing struggle.
McDonald’s Escalating Costs
McDonald’s, once synonymous with cheap fast food, has seen prices rise faster than inflation. Big Macs and McChickens now cost far more, and the CEO acknowledges losing low-income customers. Affordable fast food fans may now be looking elsewhere.
Jack in the Box Overpriced Value Meals
Jack in the Box raised prices nearly 10% in 2022, leaving customers frustrated. Some value meals now cost $30 for just a couple of burgers and a shake. While the chain adjusted portion sizes and some prices, base burger costs remain a common complaint.
Hardee’s: From 15 Cents to Nearly $8
Hardee’s has seen dramatic price increases over the decades. Bacon cheeseburgers now hover around $7.79, more than double what longtime fans expected. Redditors even share stories of sticker shock when ordering simple menu items.
Smashburger’s Price Struggles
Smashburger has lost locations and faces challenges retaining customers. Prices are a major factor—diners feel they can get better smash burgers at local joints for far less. Despite an emphasis on fresh, crafted burgers, the cost-to-value ratio is leaving patrons unsatisfied.
BurgerFi’s Upmarket Problem
BurgerFi promotes all-natural ingredients and high-quality beef—but its combos can cost $17–$18. Customers complain the taste doesn’t match the price, contributing to declining sales and the chain’s bankruptcy issues in 2024.
Burger King: Not So Affordable
Even Burger King has caught the price surge. A Single Whopper meal can run close to $12, while a Bacon King tops $14. Same-store sales have dropped, showing that diners are voting with their wallets.
