Dunkin' vs McDonald's: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
McDonald's is the cheaper of the two. Of the 9 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, McDonald's is cheaper on 7 of them, by an average of $0.82 per item.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
Dunkin'
- The $5 and $6 Meal Deals bundle a hot breakfast item with a medium coffee for roughly the price of the coffee plus a dollar.
- A dozen donuts at $14.99 is $1.25 each against $1.79 bought singly — the box is worth it from about seven donuts onwards.
- A Wake-Up Wrap at $2.79 is the cheapest hot breakfast at any national chain and pairs with the $5 Meal Deal.
McDonald's
- The $5 Meal Deal is the single best value on the menu — the same four items ordered separately run close to $12.
- The McDonald's app gives a free item on many orders and runs a points programme worth roughly 5% back; app prices are frequently below counter prices for the same item.
- 20-piece McNuggets at $9.99 cost about $0.50 per nugget against $0.65 for a 4-piece — the best per-unit price on the menu.
Dunkin' vs McDonald's — FAQ
Is Dunkin' cheaper than McDonald's in 2026?
McDonald's is cheaper on most matched items — 7 of 9. Across the whole menu McDonald's is the lower-priced of the two, at $4.29 for a typical item against $4.49 at Dunkin'.
What is the price difference between Dunkin' and McDonald's?
On matched items the average difference is $0.82, or about less than 1% overall. Dunkin' averages $5.00 across 42 priced items; McDonald's averages $4.97 across 51.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Dunkin' or McDonald's?
Dunkin' starts at $1.79 (Donut (each)) and McDonald's at $1.29 (Apple Slices).
Are these prices the same at every location?
No. Both chains let franchise owners set prices, so figures move by a dollar or more between markets and run highest at airport, stadium and highway locations. Treat these as the typical U.S. price, not a quote.