The classic American comfort meal of a cheeseburger, fries, and a soda remains a staple, but the cost of this combo varies significantly depending on where you live. A new report comparing the average price of this meal across U.S. cities found that the average price is lowest in Austin, Texas, at $12.94.
Cities in the South and Southeast tend to be more affordable due to structurally lower operating costs, which helps the region rank well across both grocery and restaurant price indexes. This is in contrast to cities like Anchorage, Alaska, where the same meal costs $28.28, the highest in the country.
The 10 best-value cities in the study are concentrated in the Midwest and Texas, with four cities in Texas making the list. Laredo, Texas, comes in at $13.39, followed by Lincoln, Nebraska, at $13.86, Detroit at $14.99, and Philadelphia at $15.41.
Eating out continues to get more expensive, even as prices for many grocery and household staples have stabilized. The average price of a cheeseburger, fries, and soda has climbed 3.2% over the past year, according to the report.
Rising restaurant prices appear to reflect broader operating costs, including labor, rent, and energy, rather than food costs alone. Local labor markets and operating expenses also play a significant role in the varying costs of the same meal across different cities.
The concept of a "Cheeseburger Index" was designed to illustrate the local differences that translate into everyday prices for consumers. The same basket of goods can cost significantly different amounts in different cities, highlighting the importance of local economies.
The report also tracks other affordability measures, including a Breakfast Basics Index and an Everyday Essentials Index. The data shows that while prices for many household essentials have remained relatively flat, some grocery items have begun climbing again.
Egg prices have eased, but avocado and milk prices have risen 12.4% and 8.3%, respectively, from the previous quarter. The Cheeseburger Index provides a simple and relatable metric for understanding price changes and local economies.
