McDonald’s has been around since 1940 but only started serving the classic hamburger in 1948. Back then, the burger cost only 15 cents.
But how is McDonald’s Hamburger price today?
This article answers that and more.
In this article
McDonald’s Hamburger Prices: Research Summary
- In San Diego, McDonald’s Hamburger is priced at $3.79, making it the most expensive city to sell this menu item.
- Houston, Texas is the most budget-friendly location to enjoy this classic fast-food item, costing only $1.65.
- The average cost of a McDonald’s Hamburger in the United States is $2.54.
Where Is McDonald’s Hamburger Cheapest?
McDonald’s Hamburger is among McDonald’s most affordable menu items. You can get a burger for as low as $1.65 in some cities, and this is without discounts. During promotional events, McDonald’s Hamburgers often go for less than 99 cents.
McDonald’s Hamburger is cheapest in Houston, Texas at $1.65, followed by Detroit, Michigan at $1.79. Parts of Arizona, Texas, Indiana, Kansas, and Oklahoma sell the McDonald’s Hamburger for $1.89.
The following states sell McDonald’s Hamburger for under $2:
- Texas
- Michigan
- Arizona
- Indiana
- Oklahoma
- Kansas
- Wisconsin
- Louisiana
Where Is McDonald’s Hamburger Most Expensive?
McDonald’s Hamburgers are the most expensive in San Diego, California at $3.79 per burger, which isn’t all that surprising given the city’s high cost of living. This is followed by Minneapolis, Minnesota at $3.69 and Honolulu, Hawaii at $3.59.
McDonald’s Hamburger costs between $3 to $4 in the following states:
- California
- Minnesota
- Hawaii
- Alaska
- Nebraska
- Rhode Island
- New York
- Pennsylvania
What Is the Average Price of a McDonald’s Hamburger in the United States?
The national average price of McDonald’s hamburgers is $2.54. We arrived to this price by calculating McDonald’s Hamburger prices across 75 different US locations.
A Combo (Hamburger With Fries and a Drink) is slightly more expensive compared the the hamburger alone. The average price difference between a regular hamburger and a combo at McDonald’s is estimated to be around $3 to $4.
Medium fries typically cost around $3, and a drink is priced at around $1.50, making a combo more cost-effective compared to purchasing the items individually.
McDonald’s Hamburger Prices
Today, the average cost of a McDonald’s Hamburger in the United States stands at $2.54.
Prices can vary significantly across cities. Houston, Texas, offers the most budget-friendly option at just $1.65, while San Diego, California, tops the list as the most expensive city to enjoy this classic fast-food item, with a price tag of $3.79.
| City | Sate | Hamburger Price |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford | Alabama | $2.49 |
| Anchorage | Alaska | $3.55 |
| Phoenix | Arizona | $1.89 |
| Tucson | Arizona | $2.79 |
| Mesa | Arizona | $2.49 |
| Little Rock | Arkansas | $2.89 |
| Los Angeles | California | $2.41 |
| San Diego | California | $3.79 |
| San Jose | California | $2.99 |
| San Francisco | California | $3.39 |
| Fresno | California | $2.69 |
| Sacramento | California | $3.19 |
| Long Beach | California | $2.83 |
| Oakland | California | $2.59 |
| Bakersfield | California | $2.61 |
| Denver | Colorado | $2.89 |
| Colorado Springs | Colorado | $2.49 |
| Aurora | Colorado | $2.39 |
| Hartford | Connecticut | $2.34 |
| Washington | DC | $2.39 |
| Wilmington | Delaware | $2.79 |
| Jacksonville | Florida | $2.39 |
| Miami | Florida | $2.87 |
| Atlanta | Georgia | $2.79 |
| Honolulu | Hawaii | $3.59 |
| Twin Falls | Idaho | $2.19 |
| Chicago | Illinois | $2.69 |
| Indianapolis | Indiana | $1.89 |
| Cedar Rapids | Iowa | $2.39 |
| Wichita | Kansas | $1.89 |
| Louisville | Kentucky | $2.59 |
| Lafayette | Louisiana | $1.99 |
| Westbrook | Maine | $2.49 |
| Baltimore | Maryland | $2.19 |
| Boston | Massachusetts | $2.89 |
| Detroit | Michigan | $1.79 |
| Minneapolis | Minnesota | $3.69 |
| Jackson | Mississippi | $2.29 |
| Kansas City | Missouri | $2.19 |
| St. Louis | Missouri | $1.99 |
| Billings | Montana | $2.79 |
| Omaha | Nebraska | $3.49 |
| Las Vegas | Nevada | $2.69 |
| Concord | New Hampshire | $2.39 |
| Newark | New Jersey | $2.49 |
| Albuquerque | New Mexico | $2.19 |
| New York City | New York | $3.29 |
| Charlotte | North Carolina | $2.29 |
| Raleigh | North Carolina | $2.39 |
| Bismarck | North Dakota | $2.69 |
| Columbus | Ohio | $2.19 |
| Oklahoma City | Oklahoma | $2.39 |
| Tulsa | Oklahoma | $1.89 |
| Portland | Oregon | $2.50 |
| Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | $3.19 |
| East Greenwich | Rhode Island | $3.39 |
| Columbia | South Carolina | $2.10 |
| Sioux Falls | South Dakota | $2.51 |
| Nashville | Tennessee | $2.29 |
| Memphis | Tennessee | $2.99 |
| Houston | Texas | $1.65 |
| San Antonio | Texas | $2.45 |
| Dallas | Texas | $1.89 |
| Austin | Texas | $1.89 |
| Fort Worth | Texas | $2.09 |
| El Paso | Texas | $2.39 |
| Salt Lake City | Utah | $2.19 |
| Williston | Vermont | $2.39 |
| Virginia Beach | Virginia | $2.09 |
| Arlington | Virginia | $2.49 |
| Seattle | Washington | $2.68 |
| Bridgeport | West Virginia | $2.49 |
| Milwaukee | Wisconsin | $1.99 |
| Casper | Wyoming | $2.35 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is In a McDonald’s Hamburger?
The classic McDonald’s Hamburger is known for its simplicity.
Unlike McDonald’s other burger offerings, with specialty sauces and unique toppings, the classic Hamburger only contains a beef patty, seasoned with salt and pepper, pickles, and onions. It’s then topped with mustard and ketchup.
The bun is your standard burger bun, without sesame seeds.
Is McDonald’s Hamburger Healthy?
McDonald’s Hamburger isn’t what we’d categorize under “healthy” but it’s certainly healthier than most of McDonald’s other offerings.
The single burger contains approximately 250 calories, 9 grams of fat, 31 grams of carbs, and 12 grams of protein.
Without added cheese, extra patties, and special sauces, it’s a relatively modest option for those looking to manage their calorie and fat intake.
In comparison, a Quarter Pounder without additional toppings contains approximately 520 calories, 26 grams of fat, 42 grams of carbs, and 30 grams of protein. That’s nearly double the calories and fat content of the standard Hamburger
What Is the Average Price Difference Between McDonald’s Classic Hamburger and McDonald’s Quarter Pounder?
The average price difference between a McDonald’s Classic Hamburger and a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder is approximately $4.13. McDonald’s Quarter Pounder typically sells for around $6.65 per burger.
Quarter Pounders typically come with a larger patty compared to regular hamburgers, providing a heartier and more substantial meal.
They also include premium ingredients such as a quarter-pound beef patty, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, which contributes to the higher cost.
