McDonald's vs Portillo's: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
McDonald's is the cheaper of the two. Of the 7 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, McDonald's is cheaper on 6 of them, by an average of $2.96 per item.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
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.
Portillo's
- Ordering the beef dipped, wet or dry costs nothing extra — the preparation is free, so ask for what you actually want.
- Italian Beef family packs at $59.99 feed four to six for roughly the price of five individual sandwiches with sides.
- Portillo's ships nationwide, so the chocolate cake and Italian beef kits are available outside the chain's footprint.
McDonald's vs Portillo's — FAQ
Is McDonald's cheaper than Portillo's in 2026?
McDonald's is cheaper on most matched items — 6 of 7. Across the whole menu McDonald's is the lower-priced of the two, at $4.29 for a typical item against $9.29 at Portillo's.
What is the price difference between McDonald's and Portillo's?
On matched items the average difference is $2.96, or about 65% overall. McDonald's averages $4.97 across 51 priced items; Portillo's averages $14.10 across 40.
Which has the cheaper entry price, McDonald's or Portillo's?
McDonald's starts at $1.29 (Apple Slices) and Portillo's at $3.79 (Fries (regular)).
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.