The
Price guide
McDonald's in the United States: what to order and what it costs
What is McDonald's like in the United States?
The United States is where McDonald's began. Brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald opened their barbecue drive-in in San Bernardino, California, in 1940. In 1948 they rebuilt it around a fast, assembly-line kitchen. That approach shaped the whole fast-food industry.
The Big Mac is an American invention, too. A franchisee named Jim Delligatti began serving it in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in April 1967 for 45 cents. By 1968 it was on the menu of every McDonald's in the country.
About 95% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are run by franchisees, which is why the price of the same burger can differ from town to town.
How much does McDonald's cost in the US?
Our US list is short but covers the classics:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Sausage Burrito | $2.99 |
| Egg McMuffin | $4.29 |
| Quarter Pounder with Cheese | $5.79 |
| 10-piece Chicken McNuggets | $5.79 |
| Big Mac | $5.99 |
| Big Mac Meal | $9.34 |
Two things stand out. First, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese ($5.79) costs 20 cents less than the Big Mac ($5.99). Second, ten McNuggets cost the same as the Quarter Pounder, at $5.79, or about 58 cents a nugget.
How much extra is a meal?
The Big Mac Meal is $9.34, and the Big Mac alone is $5.99. So the fries and drink add $3.35. That's about 56% on top of the burger.
Whether that's worth it depends on how hungry you are and whether you'd buy the sides anyway. If you only want a drink, ask what a drink costs on its own. Sizes and prices vary by restaurant, and app deals can change the picture.
What are the best breakfast prices?
McDonald's breakfast is the cheapest part of our US list:
- Sausage Burrito: $2.99
- Egg McMuffin: $4.29
A Sausage Burrito costs half as much as a Big Mac, so it's a cheap way to start the day. The Egg McMuffin adds $1.30, and it's the more filling of the two.
For comparison, a Dunkin' medium hot coffee is $2.99 and a glazed donut is $1.09 on our lists. Together that's $4.08, which is less than an Egg McMuffin on its own. A Starbucks grande latte is $4.95. So the right choice depends on whether you want a hot sandwich or a drink and a sweet treat.
Do you pay sales tax or tip at McDonald's in the US?
Sales tax isn't included in US menu prices. It's added at the register, and the rate depends on your state and city. Five states have no statewide sales tax (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon), while Louisiana has the highest average combined rate, at about 10.1%. A $5.99 Big Mac can therefore cost anything from $5.99 to around $6.60 at the till.
You don't need to tip at McDonald's counters or drive-thrus. If you see a tip screen at a kiosk, it's optional. For a full guide to US bills, read our US eating-out guide, and use our sales tax calculator to work out a total.
Why do prices vary across the US?
Franchisees set many of their own prices, and rent, wages and local taxes differ a lot. Two restaurants in the same state can charge different prices. Our figures come from a national roundup, so they don't show that difference.
Delivery apps add another layer. Apps such as DoorDash and Uber Eats often list higher prices than the restaurant and add fees. Our delivery markup calculator shows the true extra cost.
What are the alternatives to McDonald's in the US?
Other burger and breakfast chains give you plenty of choice:
- Burger King: flame-grilled burgers and a similar price range.
- Wendy's: a Jr. Cheeseburger is $2.49 on our lists.
- In-N-Out: a Hamburger is $3.45, sold mostly in the West and Southwest.
- Chick-fil-A: the Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich is $7.25.
To see how McDonald's menus work around the world, read our McDonald's guide.
How did we get these prices?
McDonald's doesn't publish one national price list. We used macmenuprices.com, which publishes a US menu roundup, updated in September 2026. We fetched it on 9 September 2026. It's a national guide, not a single restaurant, so your local price may be higher or lower.
Treat the figures as a representative guide. Each page shows the date we last verified the menu, and you can read how we check prices on our methodology page.