Fast Food Cheeseburgers Reach New Price and Calorie Heights in 2026
Analysis of major chains reveals the most expensive and unhealthiest options, driven by rising ingredient costs.
Sharply increasing ingredient costs for items like ground beef and cheese are compelling fast food companies to adjust their pricing, leading to a significant rise in the cost and calorie count of a standard cheeseburger.
A survey comparing basic cheeseburger prices across major fast food chains in New York City and Los Angeles for 2026 found that Five Guys offers the most expensive option at $12.55 for a plain cheeseburger. This burger also ranks as one of the unhealthiest, containing approximately 980 calories, 55g of fat, 26g of saturated fat, and 1,050mg of sodium before any additional toppings or sides.
Shake Shack followed as the second most expensive, with its Shack Burger priced at $8.29. This offering includes a quarter-pound angus beef patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and "ShackSauce" on a potato bun.
Sonic's cheeseburger is priced at $6.69, less than half the cost of the Five Guys option. Carl's Jr. offers a cheeseburger for $5.99, which includes onions and pickles. Smashburger's "All-American" burger, a basic option, costs $4.99.
In-N-Out, a California-based chain, maintains a reputation for value, with its cheeseburger costing around $4.10. The family-owned company has reportedly resisted the significant price increases seen at other establishments.
Cheapest options for plain cheeseburgers were found at Wendy's, Burger King, and McDonald's. While these chains offer more basic versions at lower price points, they also feature more expensive, "premium" cheeseburger variations. For example, McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese is priced at $6.39.
Restaurant franchise owners adjust menu prices based on local factors such as rent, wages, taxes, and competition, leading to significant price variations for the same menu item across different locations. The survey specifically examined prices from each company's online ordering platform, excluding third-party delivery services, and reflects regular menu prices before taxes and fees.