McDonald's Menu Prices (2026)
McDonald's is the price benchmark the rest of American fast food is measured against. With more than 13,500 U.S. restaurants and roughly 95% of them franchised, the same Big Mac can swing more than two dollars between a rural Midwest drive-thru and a Manhattan storefront — which is why the chain publishes no national price list of its own.
The prices below are 2026 national averages. The two things worth knowing before you order: almost nothing on the menu is cheaper at the counter than in the app, and the rotating $5 Meal Deal undercuts every à-la-carte combo on the board by a wide margin.
How to Save Money at 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.
- A large sweet tea at $1.49 has held its price for years and remains the cheapest large drink at any national chain.
McDonald's Menu — Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Big Mac in 2026?
A Big Mac averages about $5.99 on its own and roughly $9.79 as a medium meal with fries and a drink. Franchisees set their own prices, so expect $4.99 in low-cost Midwest markets and over $8.00 in Manhattan, California and airport locations.
What time does McDonald's stop serving breakfast?
Breakfast ends at 10:30 AM Monday to Friday and 11:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday at most locations. All-day breakfast was discontinued nationally in 2020 and has not returned.
Is the McDonald's $5 Meal Deal still available in 2026?
Yes, at participating locations. It bundles a McDouble or McChicken, small fries, a 4-piece McNuggets and a small drink for $5.00 — about $7 less than buying the four items separately.
What is the cheapest thing on the McDonald's menu?
Ignoring condiments, the Hamburger at about $2.49 and the McChicken at about $2.89 are the cheapest sandwiches. A large sweet tea at $1.49 is the cheapest item that will fill you up in any sense.
Why are McDonald's prices different at every location?
About 95% of U.S. McDonald's are owned by independent franchisees who set their own prices based on rent, local wages and competition. The company only sets prices at the small number of restaurants it operates directly.
Is it cheaper to order in the McDonald's app?
Usually yes. The app runs daily deals, a free-item offer on many orders and a points programme, and in many markets the app menu price is set below the in-store price for the same item.