Comparison McDonald's vs. Burger King's $5 menu in the U.S. (2024)

The Crazy Inflation in the US 2024

These days, you can easily spend around $20 just to eat out. Even getting a burger for under $10 has become a challenge.

While increasing food prices is understandable, it has taken a toll on low-income customers who once loved McDonald's and Burger King. As a result, these fast-food giants have seen a sharp decline in customers due to the price hikes.

In response, both of these iconic burger joints have introduced $5 menu options. I decided to check them out to see how they measure up. Originally, I planned to include Wendy's in the comparison since they also launched a $5 menu. However, when I got there, I found out they had discontinued it, possibly because it wasn't effective.

On the Left: McDonald's, On the Right: Burger King

The base price for both was $5, but the cost can increase depending on the options you choose.

At McDonald's, adding a beef patty(basic is chicken sandwich) costs an extra $1, while at Burger King, adding cheese costs an additional $0.60. In the photos above, I didn't add any extras at McDonald's, but I did add cheese at Burger King.

Keep in mind that sales tax varies by region, so the total price will be more than $5.

Burger King Wins by a Landslide

Burger King offers a beef burger without any extra charges, and it has a substantial amount of ingredients. It even has the signature flame-grilled taste of a Whopper. Although it's smaller than a Junior Whopper, the additional components make it feel complete. On the other hand, McDonald's base $5 menu features a chicken sandwich. Since it already includes chicken nuggets, it feels redundant. If you opt for the beef patty, the price effectively becomes $6. Pickles, onions, and tomatoes can be customized through the kiosk without additional cost.

McDonald's Has the Upper Hand with Chicken Nuggets and Drinks

Burger King's chicken nuggets are a bit thin, and McDonald's offers drinks in a larger cup. You can choose from various sodas, but refills are not available. Nowadays, many places don't offer refills. With drink prices rising and no refills, it feels like the cost has increased even more.

Fries are a Matter of Preference

Fries from McDonald's and Burger King have distinct differences. McDonald's fries are thin and crispy, while Burger King's are thicker, allowing you to really taste the potato. This difference is likely to come down to personal preference.

Both Franchises Offer Affordable Meals

Both McDonald's and Burger King aim to provide a complete meal at an affordable price. I found the portion sizes and meal compositions from both to be satisfying. However, the drink portions were somewhat small. Given that drinks alone now cost over $2, adding one would defeat the purpose of a budget-friendly meal.

If you're a burger enthusiast, Burger King might be the better choice. If you prefer chicken nuggets and a decent drink, McDonald's would be more suitable. Either way, the fact that you can get a satisfying meal for $5 to $6 in the US is a great deal.