From groceries to fuel and food, rapid price increases have caused even the most affordable options to increase. McDonald’s might just be the latest example of this rising inflation felt across the globe. Debuting in 1967 at less than a dollar, the cost of the Big Mac today is becoming a far cry from its affordable beginnings.
A recent study found that the prices of Big Macs, typically found to be one of the most economical meals money can buy, are soaring to new heights. Today, a Big Mac will set you back $5.35 in the country’s capital city of Washington D.C. Prices are only going up—compared to the early 2000s, the average price of a Big Mac hovered around $2.70 (that’s a 195% rise in price!).
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How Much Does The Big Mac Cost?
The study completed by CashNetUSA, which analyzed the cost of the chain’s famous double-decker cheeseburger in every country and U.S. state, found that in some places, you’ll pay more than double what others pay.
Looking at the price of Big Macs by country capital cities, the United States has one of the most expensive Big Macs, running at $5.35 in its capital city, compared to Brazil, for example, where a Big Mac will cost you just $2.36. Still, you’ll find the most expensive Big Mac in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, running at $7.75, and the cheapest Big Mac in Pakistan for $1.91.
Average Big Mac Prices In The United States
Within the United States, the most expensive Big Macs can be found in Hawaii, averaging at $5.31 a piece. Comparatively, if you travel 4,000 miles away, you’ll find the cheapest Big Mac in Mississippi, which costs $3.91 on average.
As reported by CNBC, the price of ingredients, fuel, and packaging all contribute to variable prices when purchasing. As you can imagine, it takes much longer for a Big Mac to travel to Hawaii than it does across the continental United States.
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Customers React To Rising Big Mac Prices
Not surprisingly, customers responded with frustration to the rising Big Mac prices, with one user writing on a Reddit thread, “Don’t come to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, unless you want to pay outrageous prices for McDonald’s sub-par food. A Quarter Pounder is $6.99; a Big Mac is $6.89; and a 20 piece of McNuggets costs a whopping $13.49!! None of those prices include tax or any other items (i.e., fries, a drink).”
Someone else commented, “I remember working at [McDonald’s] in high school back in 2004. The only combo meal over $5 was the DQP (Double Quarter Pounder) and it was like $5.49. Those were the days.” Another user added, “Correction: here’s how much they want me to pay for a big Mac, but I will not be doing so.”
Like all businesses, McDonald’s must turn a profit, which entails rising prices when production costs run high. With even McDonald’s feeling inflation pressure, you might want to think again about choosing a Big Mac to save you money.
