$70 for Fast Food? Financial Expert Questions What Happened to Affordable Family Meals

There was a time when “fast food” was considered a quick, affordable option. Many retailers sold inexpensive menu items, including some main courses that could be purchased for less than a dollar.

Over the years, the cost of everything has gone up. People who previously hit the drive-through at their favorite fast food chains every once in a while for an affordable lunch or dinner option now say that the meals cost as much as their dine-in alternatives. 

Certified Financial Planner Jeff Rose even wrote about the rising cost in a recent Facebook post. On Nov. 4, Rose posted on his Good Financial Cents page, asking his followers when $15 fast-food combo meals became the norm.

The post generated a lot of conversation about the rising costs of dining out, especially when it comes to some beloved chains that used to be seen as a bargain option. Now, he’s asking whether the convenience of a drive-through is worth the added expense. 

Jeff Rose Says Fast Food Isn’t the Bargain It Used to Be

Rose wrote a lengthy post about rising costs, asking what happened to fast food being a “cheap” option for people. “I remember when you could walk into McDonald’s with $5, get a decent amount of food, and still have change left over,” he wrote. “Now you pull up to the drive-thru, order a burger, fries, and a drink, and somehow you’re looking at a $15 bill.”

And that’s not all. He noted that fast food used to be a great treat for a family night, but now a meal for a family of five can cost between $60 and $70.

“I understand food costs, labor, rent, and insurance have all gotten more expensive,” he continued. “But there’s something ridiculous about paying sit-down restaurant prices for food that comes in a paper bag.”

Rose concluded his post by asking if it’s worth it to spend that much money on takeout options where nobody even offers to refill your drink.

Fast Food Customers Say They’re Tired of Rising Prices

While many people commiserated with Rose about the cost of fast food, several people pointed out one glaring reason why prices were so high. “Everyone agreed by paying for it,” one person wrote. “And continuing to pay for it. Consumers have the power, and they tell companies that the prices are acceptable.”

“Supply and Demand. If people will stop buying it, they will lower the prices,” another added.

Then there were those who pointed out less expensive options that could be found elsewhere. “You can go to a sit-down restaurant and get a better meal for the same price these fast food restaurants are charging,” one person wrote. “And before anyone asks, Chili’s has the ‘3 for me’ meal for $9.99 right now. That’s just one example.”

People who say they are feeling the pinch at the drive-through aren’t wrong. According to a report from FinanceBuzz, fast food prices have increased by 39 percent to 100 percent between 2014 and 2024, outpacing inflation. The report says that McDonald’s has seen the largest jump, while Subway and Starbucks have been among the lowest.