by Fast food prices across the United States are rising rapidly in 2025, creating financial strain for the very workers who serve these meals.
Employees at major chains like McDonald’s and Taco Bell now need to work nearly twice as long as the average American to afford a typical fast food combo.
What Happened
A recent study by financial platform Lending Tree reveals a growing disconnect between fast food costs and workers’ wages. While combo meal prices climb, restaurant workers’ pay rates lag, making it harder for them to afford their own meals.
Key Details
- The average fast food meal in the US now costs $11.56.
- Fast food workers must work 46 minutes on average to afford this meal.
- In comparison, the average American worker from other industries needs only about 21.2 minutes.
- Cities with the highest fast food prices include:
- San Francisco, CA: $12.73 per meal; fast food workers earn $20.67/hour but work 36.9 minutes to afford the meal.
- New York City, NY and Los Angeles, CA: Around $12.24 per meal.
- Seattle, WA: $12.22 per meal.
- The most affordable city for fast food is Indianapolis, IN, with a $9.19 meal price, but workers still must work 39.4 minutes to afford it.
| City | Avg. Meal Price | Fast Food Worker Wage | Minutes Worked to Buy Meal | Avg. Worker Wage (Other Jobs) | Minutes Worked (Other Jobs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $12.73 | $20.67/hr | 36.9 | $48.15/hr | 15.9 |
| New York City, NY | $12.24 | — | — | — | — |
| Los Angeles, CA | $12.24 | — | — | — | — |
| Seattle, WA | $12.22 | — | — | — | — |
| Indianapolis, IN | $9.19 | — | 39.4 | $30.25/hr | 18.2 |
Reactions and Statements
Experts warn that rising prices are linked to new tariffs on imported goods introduced in recent years.
These tariffs have increased the cost of essential ingredients like beef, palm oil, and coffee. For instance, Australian beef faces a 10% tariff, potentially pushing iconic menu items like McDonald’s Big Mac to even higher prices.
Investigation and What’s Next
With inflationary pressures and trade policies still in flux, fast food prices are expected to continue rising.
The widening wage-price gap poses challenges not only for workers but also for the fast food industry’s stability. Advocates are calling for wage increases and policy revisions to ease the burden on low-wage workers.
FAQs
Q1: Why are fast food prices rising so quickly?
A1: Increased costs due to tariffs on imported goods, inflation, and supply chain disruptions are driving prices higher.
Q2: How do fast food worker wages compare to other industries?
A2: Fast food workers earn significantly less, requiring them to work longer to afford the same meals as workers in other sectors.
Q3: Which US cities have the most expensive fast food meals?
A3: San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, and Seattle top the list.
Q4: What impact do tariffs have on fast food prices?
A4: Tariffs raise the cost of imported ingredients, increasing overall menu prices.
Q5: Are there efforts to address fast food workers’ wages?
A5: Some advocates and policymakers are pushing for higher minimum wages and better labor protections.
Summary / Final Takeaway
In 2025, fast food is no longer the inexpensive meal option it once was, especially for the workers preparing it. Rising meal prices combined with stagnant wages create a growing affordability gap for fast food employees.
As tariffs and inflation pressures persist, this trend is likely to continue, highlighting the need for wage reforms and industry adjustments.
