In 1967 when the iconic Big Mac burger was put on a McDonald’s menu in Uniontown, Pennsylvania by franchisee Jim Delligatti, the price was only 45 cents. With two beef patties, a slice of American cheese, dill pickles, minced onions and the company’s iconic special sauce, all served on that three-slice sesame seed bun, the Big Mac is now a staple on the McDonald’s menu around the world.
And yet, even the iconic McDonald’s sandwich isn’t safe from rising costs sweeping the nation right now. According to data collected by CashNetUSA in November 2022, the Big Mac price has gone up significantly—and the United States isn’t the only country feeling the new sense of sticker shock.
What Is the Price of a Big Mac in the USA?
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Compared to the debut price of 45 cents, Big Mac prices are at an all-time high in this country—particularly in Hawaii, which sells the most expensive Big Mac in the United States right now at $5.31. While the cost of delivering materials to a place like Hawaii would make sense in the increase in price, what isn’t so surprising is the second most expensive state to buy a Big Mac right now: New York.
That’s right, New York is selling Big Macs at $5.23, which is even more expensive than Alaska at $4.87. New Jersey isn’t too far behind New York with Big Macs being sold for $5.19, and California is selling them at $5.11.
As for the least expensive Big Mac, you can buy the cheapest burger in Mississippi at $3.91. South Dakota, Missouri and Arkansas also have fairly affordable Big Macs at $3.95, followed by Alabama at $3.99.
After that, many of the states are selling the iconic burger somewhere in the four-dollar range. States like Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas are selling the Big Mac at just $4.07, while other states like Minnesota, Nevada and Arizona are selling it at $4.43.
Why Has the Price of Big Macs Gone Up?
Unsurprisingly, inflation is playing a major role when it comes to the price of your Big Mac at the register. The rise in price has to not only do with the high demand for goods—like beef, which saw a price increase of 9.6% in 2022—but also with operational costs and labor.
Yet even if price increases have become the norm at McDonald’s, it seems customers aren’t backing away from their usual go-to McDonald’s run. In 2022, McDonald’s reported over a 10% increase in sales growth and 26% more foot traffic in restaurants.
“Even though we’re pushing through pricing, the consumer is tolerating it well,” said McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski in a previous analyst call, according to CNN Business.
“We’re taking smaller, more frequent price increases because it gives us the flexibility to be able to see how consumers are reacting and then adjust if or when necessary,” said CFO Kevin Ozan.
What Is the Price of a Big Mac Across the World?
Although Big Mac prices in the United States seem high, compared to other countries, the prices are still rather low; the United States is selling the 19th most expensive Big Mac around the world.
The most expensive Big Mac is being sold in Liechtenstein and Switzerland at a price of $7.75, followed by Italy at $7.13.
The least expensive Big Mac can actually be found in Pakistan at just $1.91. Other countries with cheap Big Macs include Egypt at $2.12 and Indonesia at $2.35.
These prices are based on the Big Macs sold in capital cities of these countries, so technically the average here for the United States is $5.35—which seems expensive compared to state prices. This means that Big Macs sold within capital cities of the country are likely more expensive than the entire state averages reported by CashNetUSA.
Now only time will tell if the new McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac will suffer the same fate… if it ever makes it to your local Mickey Dee’s menu, of course.
McDonald's Copycat Recipes So You Can Skip the Drive-Thru
Inspired By: McDonald's Cheeseburger
A favorite on
McDonald's dollar menu, these copycat burgers are a blend of ground beef and breadcrumbs. You can cook them on the stovetop on a grill pan or a standard skillet. I like to top these burgers with cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, ketchup and mustard. —Mike Goldman, Arden Hills, Minnesota
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Nancy Mock for Taste of Home
We cracked the code on one of McDonald's best-kept secrets; the Big Mac sauce! Perfect for topping on burgers, or dipping your fries and nuggets in, this McDonald's copycat recipe is one you'll want to keep on hand. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Inspired By: Chicken McNuggetsI like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
Inspired By: McDonald's French FriesIt's a
fact that McDonald's fries are one of their best-selling items, so we've created an even tastier way to eat their fries! The addition of Parmesan and garlic is optional, but they make this side dish simply irresistible. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired By: Egg McMuffinOn a busy morning, this McDonald's copycat recipe save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena,
Taste of Home Senior Editor
NANCY MOCK FOR TASTE OF HOME
When this colorful dessert appears on the McDonald’s menu, you know St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. Make your own all year round with this McDonald's copycat recipe. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
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The sauces of all sauces to go with a crispy McNugget, this sweet-and-sour sauce recipe tastes just like the franchise's. If you like your sauces spicy, some crushed red pepper flakes give this sauce a little added kick. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Inspired By: Quarter Pounder with CheeseThis McDonald's copycat recipe is a terrific taste of summer served with tall glasses of lemonade or cola. —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Inspired By: Bacon, Egg & Cheese BiscuitI turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier that you could even enjoy for dinner. We pile toppings like salsa and avocado—mayo and ketchup, too—on the homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Inspired By: Honey Mustard SauceThis fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey mustard dressing I've ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas
Inspire By: McChickenAfter trying all the major fast-food chains' chicken sandwiches, I decided to come up with my own McDonald's copycat recipe. I know everyone says theirs is better than the original, but mine really is. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California
Inspired By: McCafe Strawberry ShakeCool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! Nothing can beat this McDonald’s copycat strawberry shake recipe. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana.
Inspired By: HotcakesI found this fluffy and easy pancake recipe among our old family favorites and adapted it to make a small amount. It's quick and easy to prepare, but we still consider it a special treat. —Eugene Presley, Council, Virginia
Inspired By: Chicken SelectsI recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, California
Inspired By: Tangy Barbecue SauceI've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California
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Skip those morning drive-thru stops with this McDonald's copycat iced coffee recipe. Made with only four ingredients, your morning drink necessity can even been made ahead of time so it's ready to go when you are. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Inspired By: Cinnamon MeltsA slow cooker turns day-old cinnamon rolls into a comforting, old-fashioned dessert. It tastes wonderful topped with lemon or vanilla sauce or whipped cream. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Inspired By: McRibPerfect for a weekday dinner or cozy weekend meal, this McDonald's copycat recipe makes fall-off-the-bone tender meat with delicious flavor. —Margaret Luchsinger, Jupiter, Florida
Inspired By: Fruit & Maple OatmealI tasted muesli on a trip to Switzerland, and when I came home, I made it my way. Keep things interesting (and avoid midmorning munchies) by adding different fruits and nuts every day. —Maddie Kirk, Springfield, Pennsylvania
Inspired By: Filet-O-FishThe seasoned breading of this hearty sandwich turns mild-flavored cod or halibut into a taste sensation, and the creamy sauce just keeps it going! —Mildred Caruso, Brighton, Tennessee
Inspired By: Tartar SauceYou'll never buy the jarred stuff again once you've tried this homemade tartar sauce recipe! —Michelle Stromko, Darlington, Maryland
Inspired By: Spicy Chicken McNuggetsWe devour these spicy chicken nuggets at least once a week. If you want to tone down the heat, skip the chipotle pepper. —Cheryl Cook, Palmyra, Virginia
Inspired By: Sausage BurritoThis is a great kid-friendly recipe that takes only 20 minutes to prepare and cook. —Sharon Haswell, Cheshire, Massachusetts
Inspired By: Sweet BBQ Bacon BurgerEvery family has a burger of choice, and this McDonald's copycat recipe is ours. It's stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, Idaho
Inspired By: Fruit 'N Yogurt ParfaitThe best time for this dessert is midsummer, when the blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten the patriotic colors. —Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Inspired By: Fish McBitesMy husband and I love fried fish, but we're both trying to cut back on dietary fat. I came up with this oven-baked version. He likes it as much as deep-fried fish, so I know it's a winner. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Nancy Mock for Taste of Home
Enjoy the flavors of Christmas all-year-round with this McDonald's Eggnog Shake recipe. Simply add eggnog, vanilla ice cream, rum extract and nutmeg to a blender and blend it all together for that perfect milkshake. Don't forget the cherry on top! —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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