Hello, fellow fast food fanatics! There's one question I've spent way too much time pondering: Does fast food cost more today than it used to?
To figure this out, I thought I'd use the many photos of old fast food menus floating around the internet, but unfortunately, none of them are dated accurately. For example, I've seen the menu below posted five or six times, but it's always said to be from a different year (ranging from the '60s to the '80s).
Remember when - McDonalds menu in the early 1970's
But then, I had an epiphany! There had to be old menus from fast food restaurants on Getty Images*, and all of their photos are accurately dated. Well, I looked...and there were!
LONG STORY SHORT...with these photos, we can finally answer my burning question! So, let's find out...does fast food only seem more costly today because of inflation? Or, have fast food restaurants jacked up their prices over the years even more than what's to be expected from inflation?
Here's how we'll find out: We'll take the price of an item from the past and — using an inflation calculator — learn exactly how much it would cost in 2022 due to inflation and inflation alone. And then, we'll look at the actual 2022 price to see if restaurants have raised the prices on us beyond that point.
One last note: The "today" prices are all taken from fast food restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area.
OK! Let's start with Starbucks! This menu photo was taken December 28, 2005 in Wheeling, Illinois.
In 2005, a Tall Cappuccino cost $2.65, which is the equivalent of $4.02 now. Today, it costs $4.25.
In 2005, a Tall Caramel Macchiato cost $3, which is the equivalent of $4.55 now. Today, it costs $4.95.
In 2005, a Tall White Chocolate Mocha cost $3.35, which is the equivalent of $5.08 now. Today, it costs $5.25.
In 2005, a Tall Mocha Frap cost $3.10, which is the equivalent of $4.70 now. Today, it costs $4.95.
VERDICT: No matter what you order, Starbucks costs more today than it used to.
On to McDonald's! This menu photo was taken July 1978 in Southfield, Michigan.
In 1978, a Big Mac cost 90¢, which is the equivalent of $4.09 now. Today, it costs $5.29.
In 1978, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese cost 95¢, which is the equivalent of $4.32 now. Today, it's $5.39.
In 1978, a hamburger cost 35¢, which is the equivalent of $1.59 now. Today, it costs $1.99.
In 1978, a Cheeseburger cost 40¢, which is the equivalent of $1.82. Today, it costs $2.19.
In 1978, a Filet-O-Fish cost 65¢, which is the equivalent of $2.95. Today, it costs $4.69.
In 1978, small French Fries cost 35¢, which is the equivalent of $1.59 now. Today, it costs $2.49.
In 1978, an Egg McMuffin cost 90¢, which is the equivalent of $4.09. Today, it costs $4.49.
In 1978, a hash brown cost 30¢, which is the equivalent of $1.36 now. Today, it costs $2.59.
VERDICT: If your local McDonald's menu (like mine below) seems a lot costlier today, that's because it is...especially if you're old enough to have eaten there in the late '70s.
Our next stop is at...Subway! This menu was photographed December 29, 2003 in Chicago.
In 2003, a 6-inch Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki cost $3.69, which is the equivalent of $5.60 now. Today, it costs $6.39.
VERDICT: At least based on this one perennially popular sandwich, we're paying more today...about 14% more, in fact, since 2003.
Alright! Burger King time! This menu photo was taken in Maine on November 4, 2005.
In 2005, the Sausage, Egg and Cheese Croissan'wich Meal cost $3.09, which is the equivalent of $4.69 now. Today, it costs $6.69.
In 2005, a medium coffee cost $1.19, which is the equivalent of $1.81 now. Today, it costs $1.91.
VERDICT: Burger King costs more today — especially if you want the good 'ol Croissan'wich.
Up next...Taco Bell! As you can see on this old receipt, these items were purchased on May 18, 1999.
In 1999, a Chili Cheese Burrito cost 99¢, which is the equivalent of $1.76 now. Today, it costs $2.59.
In 1999, a taco cost 69¢, which is the equivalent of $1.23 now. Today, a soft or crunchy taco costs $1.69.
In 1999, a 16-ounce small Pepsi cost 89¢, which is the equivalent of $1.58 now. Today, it costs $1.99.
VERDICT: Eating that "fourth meal" has gotten a WHOLE lot pricier than it used to be.
Lastly, let's take a look at Wendy's! This menu was photographed in Chicago on January 30, 2004.
In 2004, the Big Bacon Classic cost $2.79, which is the equivalent of $4.38 now. Today, it's $6.99.
In 2004, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich was $2.89, which is the equivalent of $4.53 today. Today, it's $5.99.
In 2004, a medium French Fries was 99¢, which is the equivalent of $1.55 now. Today, it is $3.29.
VERDICT: Some of these cost almost 40% more than they used to! Yikes! Wendy's? More like when deez prices get so out of control?!
In conclusion, this is the answer to my question about whether fast food costs more than it used to:
