BALTIMORE, MD—A new study has revealed that Maryland residents are paying a premium for their quick, convenient meals, ranking the state as the fifth most expensive in the U.S. for fast-food takeouts.
The analysis, conducted by the research team at Gaming Gadgets, evaluated the average price of popular menu items from four major chains: McDonald’s, Domino’s, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell. The results show that the cost of a takeout meal in Maryland is, on average, 14% more expensive than the national average.
Key Maryland Takeout Costs 💰
The study provides a detailed look at the price tags Marylanders are seeing at the drive-thru and delivery apps:
- A Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich averages $3.84, surpassing the national average by 14%.
- A Taco Bell Combo Meal costs a “pricey $7.30,” nearly a dollar more than the U.S. average.
- A McDonald’s Big Mac comes in at an average of $5.03.
- A Domino’s Medium Cheese Pizza costs an average of $13.99.
Maryland’s final high-cost score placed it just behind California and ahead of Alaska in the ranking of most expensive states for fast food.
The Growing “Economic Divide”
Nico Arnold, a spokesperson for Gaming Gadgets, noted that the research highlights a significant “economic divide” in the cost of American fast-food staples. While fast food is traditionally seen as a cheap alternative, Arnold suggests the findings reflect how the nation’s cost-of-living challenges are driving up prices, particularly in high-cost regions.
For context, the most expensive state for fast food was Hawaii, with a Domino’s medium pizza costing a staggering $18.99. The analysis attributes Hawaii’s high costs to extreme transportation expenses due to its remote island location.
At the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi was crowned the most affordable state, with the lowest-cost Big Mac nationwide at just $3.91, and the cheapest Chick-fil-A sandwich prices in the country.
A Wake-Up Call for Consumers 🔔
This new data comes as the national conversation around fast-food affordability continues to heat up. Separate reports indicate that prices across the industry are rising faster than general inflation, leading many Americans to view fast food as a luxury rather than a budget-friendly option.
Arnold concluded that the study may prompt residents to “think twice before ordering from their favorite fast-food place in the future,” as the convenience factor is increasingly being weighed against a rapidly growing price tag.
States with the most expensive fast food prices:
Domino’s Medium Cheese Pizza (Average Price $)
McDonald’s Big Mac (Average Price $)
Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich (Average Price $)
Taco Bell Combo Meal (Average Price $)
Photo via Pixabay
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