15 Wallet-Busting Fast Food Chains to Avoid if You’re on a Budget

Fast food may be cheap and convenient, but it can quickly burn a hole in your wallet if you’re not careful. A recent study found that the average American spends $1,200 annually on fast food alone.¹

While the occasional splurge won’t break the bank, regularly dining at these overpriced joints can add up fast. To help you save your hard-earned cash, we’ve rounded up the fast-food chains that are shockingly expensive for what you get. 

Prepare to have your mind blown (and your wallet relieved) as we share the places that simply aren’t worth your money.

1. Shake Shack

15 Wallet-Busting Fast Food Chains to Avoid if You're on a Budget » Shake Shack dp329169300
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Don’t let the retro charm fool you – Shake Shack’s prices are anything but old-fashioned. A single ShackBurger will set you back around $8.39, which is pretty steep for a basic cheeseburger.(ref)

And do you want fries and a shake with that? Prepare to shell out over $13 for a meal that’s gone in a few bites.

While Shake Shack’s quality is generally considered a cut above typical fast food, it’s debatable whether it justifies the inflated cost. You can find comparable burgers at local joints for a fraction of the price. 

Unless you crave that Shack Sauce, you’re better off skipping this trendy chain.

2. Panera Bread

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Panera positions itself as a healthier, fast-casual option, but its prices can be tough to swallow. A basic sandwich like the Napa Almond Chicken Salad will cost about $8, while salads and grain bowls are even pricier at $9-10 each.

And don’t even think about adding a cup of soup or a drink unless you’re ready to spend well over $15 on lunch.

Sure, Panera uses higher-quality ingredients than your typical fast food joint. But $10 for a salad is still a lot, especially when you can make a whole week’s worth of salads at home for the same price. 

Next time Panera’s baked goods tempt you, remember that your wallet will thank you for resisting.

3. Five Guys

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A burger and fries is the quintessential fast food combo, but this classic meal comes with a hefty price tag at Five Guys. A cheeseburger alone costs around $8, and adding fries and a drink will bring your total to about $15.

That’s a lot of dough for a meal that’s not exactly gourmet.

Five Guys is known for its generous portions, with huge servings of fries and free toppings on burgers. But even with the extra food, it’s hard to justify spending that much on a quick lunch. 

You’re better off saving Five Guys for an occasional indulgence rather than a regular habit.

4. Starbucks

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Starbucks may be the go-to spot for a caffeine fix, but its prices can leave you feeling jittery for all the wrong reasons. A basic latte starts at around $4, and if you add any flavors or opt for a larger size, you can easily spend over $5 on a single drink.

And don’t even get us started on the food – a simple breakfast sandwich will run you about $4-5.

Of course, Starbucks has its perks, like free Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere. But if you’re just looking for a quick coffee, you can find much cheaper options at local cafes or even convenience stores. 

And with the money you save, you can afford to treat yourself to a pastry from your favorite bakery.

5. Chipotle

15 Wallet-Busting Fast Food Chains to Avoid if You're on a Budget » chipotle dp361863246
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Chipotle’s customizable burritos and bowls have made it a lunchtime staple, but the prices can increase quickly. A basic burrito with meat, beans, rice, and salsa will cost you around $8-9, and adding extras like guac or queso will push your total over $10.

And do you want chips and a drink with that? Prepare to spend closer to $15.

While Chipotle’s portions are generous, paying for a meal that’s essentially just rice and beans with some toppings is still a lot. You can easily make a similar burrito at home for a fraction of the cost or find cheaper options at local Mexican joints. 

Unless you’re craving that Chipotle flavor, you might want to skip the line and save money.

6. Smashburger

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Smashburger touts itself as a higher-end fast food burger joint, but its prices are also high. A classic Smashburger with cheese costs around $6.99, and specialty burgers like the Truffle Mushroom Swiss can cost up to $8.99. Fries and a drink will add another $4-5 to your bill.

While Smashburgers’s burgers are tasty, they’re not necessarily worth the premium price. You can find equally delicious burgers at local restaurants or even other fast food chains for a few bucks less. 

Save Smashburger for a special treat rather than your go-to burger spot.

7. Qdoba

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Like Chipotle, Qdoba specializes in customizable Mexican-inspired bowls and burritos. However, like Chipotle, Qdoba’s prices can be hard to justify for what is essentially a glorified burrito.

A basic burrito or bowl with meat, beans, rice, and salsa will cost about $8-9, and adding extras like queso or guac will quickly push your total over $10.

Qdoba offers some unique flavors and ingredients compared to Chipotle, such as its signature queso and a wider variety of salsas. 

But unless you’re really craving those specific add-ons, you’re probably better off sticking to a cheaper burrito joint or making your own at home.

8. Noodles & Company

15 Wallet-Busting Fast Food Chains to Avoid if You're on a Budget » Noodles Company dp729712530
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Noodles & Company offers a variety of global noodle dishes and pasta bowls, but its prices can be a bit hard to swallow. A regular-sized bowl of noodles starts at around $7-8, and if you want to add a protein like chicken or shrimp, you’re looking at $9-10 per bowl.

Tack on a drink, and maybe a side, and your quick noodle lunch can easily cost $15 or more.

While Noodles & Company’s dishes are tasty and offer unique flavor combinations, they’re not necessarily worth the price. You can find comparable noodle bowls at local Asian restaurants for a few bucks less, or even make your pasta dishes at home for a fraction of the cost. 

Save Noodles & Company for a special occasion rather than a regular lunch spot.

9. Sonic Drive-In

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Sonic may be known for its retro drive-in style and quirky commercials, but its prices are far from old-fashioned. A basic cheeseburger costs around $4.50, and adding fries and a drink brings your total to nearly $8.

And if you want one of Sonic’s signature shakes or slushes, be prepared to shell out another $3-4.

While Sonic’s menu has some unique items, like tater tots and onion rings, the quality isn’t always consistent. You can find better burgers and fries at other fast-food joints for a similar price. 

You might want to drive past Sonic unless you crave a Cherry Limeade or Ocean Water.

10. Panda Express

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Panda Express is a popular choice for a quick Chinese food fix, but its prices can be a bit steep for what you get. Depending on your location, a two-entree plate with sides will run you about $8-10.

And if you want to add a third entree or premium side like honey walnut shrimp, your total can easily exceed $12.

While Panda Express’ portions are generous, the quality of the food can be hit or miss. The meat is often overcooked and drowning in sauce, and the vegetables can be mushy.

You can find better Chinese food at local restaurants for a similar price, or even make your stir-fry at home for a fraction of the cost. 

Panda Express is good for a mall food court craving.

11. Popeyes

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Popeyes may be famous for its spicy fried chicken, but its prices can leave your wallet feeling the heat. Depending on your location, a three-piece chicken combo with a biscuit and side will cost you around $8-9.

And if you want to add a drink or dessert, your total can easily exceed $12.

While Popeyes’ chicken is undeniably delicious, it’s not necessarily the best value for your money. You can find comparable fried chicken at local joints or even grocery store delis for a few bucks less.

And if you’re willing to put in a little effort, you can make your own spicy fried chicken at home for a fraction of the price. 

Save Popeyes for a special treat rather than a regular meal.

12. Dairy Queen

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Dairy Queen may be known for its soft serve and Blizzards, but its food prices can give you a brain freeze. A basic burger costs around $4-5, and adding fries and a drink brings your total to nearly $8.

And if you want one of DQ’s signature treats for dessert, be prepared to shell out another $4-5.

While DQ’s ice cream is delightful, its food is pretty forgettable. The burgers are thin and often overcooked, and the fries are nothing special. You can find better fast food options for a similar price elsewhere. 

DQ is best when you’re really craving a Blizzard or sundae.

13. Arby’s

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Arby’s may have the meats, but it also has some pretty steep prices. A classic roast beef sandwich costs around $5-6, and adding fries and a drink brings your total to nearly $10.

And if you want one of Arby’s signature sandwiches like the Smokehouse Brisket or Reuben, be prepared to shell out $7-8 or more.

While Arby’s sandwiches are tasty and unique compared to other fast food options, they’re not necessarily the best value for your money. You can find comparable sandwiches at local delis or even grocery stores for a few bucks less.

You can try Arby’s when you really crave something different.

14. Raising Cane’s

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Raising Cane’s may be famous for its crispy chicken fingers, but its prices can be hard to swallow. Depending on your location, a three-finger combo with fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and a drink will cost you around $9-10.

And if you want to add an extra finger or two, be prepared to shell out another $1-2 per finger.

While Raising Cane’s chicken is tasty, it’s a simple menu item you can easily recreate at home. The secret is in the marinade and the breading, which you can find recipes for online.

And once you’ve mastered the technique, you can make a whole batch of chicken fingers for the price of one combo meal at Cane’s. 

You can save this spot for when you’re too lazy to cook.

15. In-N-Out Burger

15 Wallet-Busting Fast Food Chains to Avoid if You're on a Budget » In N Out dp416580320
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In-N-Out may have a cult following for its fresh, never-frozen burgers and fries, but its prices can be higher than other fast food joints. A basic hamburger costs around $2.50, and adding fries and a drink brings your total to nearly $6.

And if you want Double-Double or Animal Style fries, be prepared to shell out more.

While In-N-Out’s quality is generally considered a cut above typical fast food, it’s still a pretty basic burger and fries combo. You can find comparable burgers at local joints or even other fast-food chains for a similar price or less. 

Save In-N-Out for when you really crave that special sauce.

Source:

  1. Drive Research
Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor | + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.