We Pitted Taco Bell Against Chipotle To Determine Which Chain Is the Most Delicious (And Affordable)

It can be difficult to know how to save money when eating out, especially when you factor in inflation.

FinanceBuzz recently conducted a study comparing how inflation has affected some of our favorite budget-friendly fast-food restaurants over the past 10 years.

While Chipotle’s menu items have increased in price an average of 75% in the last decade, Taco Bell has seen an 81% overall price hike on their items, and customers are not happy.

With our new findings, we pitted Taco Bell against Chipotle to determine which chain is the most affordable for those on a budget.

Note: Prices and availability may vary by location.

1. Chips & Salsa (Chipotle) vs. Nachos BellGrande (Taco Bell)

Courtesy of Taco Bell

Everyone’s favorite appetizer has been affected by inflation over the years according to the study . Chipotle’s staple Chips & Fresh Tomato Salsa appetizer is 7.5 ounces of chips and a choice of three different salsas.

Taco Bell’s Nachos BellGrande is reportedly 11.1 ounces and comes more fully loaded with seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, reduced-fat sour cream, tomatoes, and beans.

Chipotle’s version experienced a 63% increase in price in the last decade, jumping to $2.85 from $1.75. Taco Bell’s Nachos BellGrande shot up 73%, to $5.69 from $3.29.

Winner: Even though it is more expensive, the Nachos BellGrande is the better deal because of its bigger size, added toppings, and protein.

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2. Barbacoa Burrito (Chipotle) vs. Beefy 5-Layer Burrito (Taco Bell)

Courtesy of Chipotle

Since 2014, Chipotle’s Barbacoa Burrito — made with shredded barbacoa beef and a choice of additional fillings like rice, beans, veggies, and salsas — has experienced an 87% increase in price to $12.45 from $6.65. Portion size can vary greatly depending on the location, but burritos tend to be about five to six inches in length.

Taco Bell’s Beefy 5-Layer Burrito increased in price 132% in the same 10 years, bringing it to $3.69 from $1.59 on average. This burrito is about 8.5 ounces of ground beef, cheese, refried beans, reduced-fat sour cream, and nacho cheese sauce.

Winner: While Chipotle’s burritos are notorious for being bigger than your face, you could easily afford three Beefy 5-Layer Burritos from Taco Bell for less than one of Chipotle’s options.

3. Chicken Taco (Chipotle) vs. Soft Taco (Taco Bell)

Courtesy of Chipotle

Taco Bell’s Soft Taco has increased in price by 64%, to $1.79 from $1.09 in 2014. Ingredients include seasoned beef, cheese, and lettuce, keeping it under the $2 price point. You can also add tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole for more money.

The Chicken Taco from Chipotle has increased a little more, to $10.70 from $6.25, a jump of 71%. This brings the three-pack to about $3.56 per taco. You have more ingredient options to add to the taco, like vinaigrettes, salsas, and cheeses. The sizes of the tacos are comparable.

Winner: While the taste and texture of Chipotle’s tortillas are better than Taco Bell’s formula, you are still going to get your best deal by sticking to the à la carte taco menu at Taco Bell.

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4. Large Soda (Chipotle) vs. Large Freeze Drink (Taco Bell)

Courtesy of Chipotle

Taco Bell’s popular Large Freeze Drinks have increased in price by 48% over the decade, starting at $2.49 and landing at $3.69. But they have also decreased in size, and are available in 20-ounce portions now.

Chipotle’s 32-ounce Large Soda has experienced a greater hike, 79% over the same time, to $3.40 from $1.90 in 2014.

Winner: If you want a more refreshing soda beverage for your buck, this makes Chipotle your clear best bet with 12 more ounces of drink for less money.

5. Carnitas Burrito (Chipotle) vs. Burrito Supreme Combo (Taco Bell)

Courtesy of Taco Bell

Chipotle’s responsibly raised pork is at the core of its Carnitas Burrito. This menu item is priced at $11.35, up 71% from its 2014 price of $6.65.

The Burrito Supreme Combo from Taco Bell has jumped 62% in price, now at $8.59, while it was $5.29 in 2014. The burrito houses beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, red sauce, lettuce, onions, and sour cream.

Winner: Taco Bell’s option comes with a large fountain drink, a hard-shell taco, and a burrito. So, even with the reportedly lower-quality ingredients and slightly smaller burrito, you can get a full meal for almost $3 less than its Chipotle counterpart.

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6. Guacamole (Chipotle) vs. Guacamole (Taco Bell)

Courtesy of Chipotle

Chipotle’s 4-ounce serving of guacamole has been a staple at the chain since its opening. It averages $2.95 and is made with avocados, lime juice, red onion, jalapeno, kosher salt, and cilantro.

Taco Bell’s guacamole costs $1.15 for 1.6 ounces, and is made of avocado, lime juice, salt, onions, tomatoes, and sauce.

Winner: Chipotle’s guac is $1.35 per ounce, and Taco Bell’s averages $1.39 per ounce. At the end of the day, Chipotle is giving you higher-quality ingredients at a better price.

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7. Chicken Quesadilla (Chipotle) vs. Cantina Chicken Quesadilla (Taco Bell)

Courtesy of Chipotle

The Cantina Chicken Quesadilla at Taco Bell comes at a price point of $6.49 and packs chicken, chipotle sauce, and a three-cheese blend onto a 10.5-inch flour tortilla.

Chipotle’s Quesadilla is available online only and comes on a 12-inch tortilla with cheese, your choice of meat, veggies, and three included sides for $10.

Winner: Chipotle’s quesadilla tastes fresher, is bigger, and often has a better crunch to it. With the added sides, even at the higher price point, this is going to be your best bet.

8. Chicken Burrito Bowl (Chipotle) vs. Cantina Chicken Bowl (Taco Bell)

Courtesy of Chipotle

Chipotle’s popular, customizable Chicken Burrito Bowl has increased in price by 71% since 2014, to $10.70 from $6.25. The median size of their bowls weighs in at around 21.5 ounces.

You can get Taco Bell’s 7-ounce Cantina Chicken Bowl — loaded with chicken, rice, beans, sour cream, purple cabbage, pico de gallo, cheese, lettuce, avocado ranch sauce, and guacamole — for $7.89.

Winner: Chipotle’s many add-ons and the average weight of the portions make their Chicken Burrito Bowl a better deal, hands down.

Bottom line

Fast food isn’t as quick or as affordable as it once was. But if you ask us, even with customers’ outrage over increased prices, Taco Bell is still going to fill your tummy with the best deal.

You can save money on food by eating at home and still make your version of your favorite foods from Chipotle or Taco Bell. But if you must have the real thing, make sure to stick to budget-friendly menu items if prices continue to rise.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).