Cheapest Restaurant Chains in 2026
Which chain actually costs less, category by category. Each ranking is worked out from every priced item on every menu we track, ordered by the midpoint of the menu rather than by the headline price of a single loss-leader.
| Category | Cheapest chain | Typical price | Chains ranked |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍔 Cheapest burger | Del Taco | $3.49 | 15 |
| 🍗 Cheapest chicken | Chick-fil-A | $5.25 | 9 |
| ☕ Cheapest coffee | Dunkin' | $4.49 | 5 |
| 🥞 Cheapest breakfast | Del Taco | $3.49 | 16 |
| 🥪 Cheapest sandwich | Arby's | $6.29 | 7 |
| 🌮 Cheapest Mexican | Del Taco | $3.49 | 6 |
| 🍝 Cheapest pizza | Little Caesars | $7.99 | 7 |
| 🍦 Cheapest ice cream | Sonic Drive-In | $4.29 | 7 |
| 🍳 Cheapest diner | Waffle House | $6.55 | 11 |