15 Most Expensive Cities To Buy a Basic Fast-Food Meal

Even though the U.S. doesn’t have a “national food” like many other countries, the good old-fashioned hamburger is a strong contender. And though French fries are believed to have originated in Belgium, that greasy side dish screams, “America!” too — as does a big ‘ole tumbler of soda.

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The classic burger, fries and soda combo may be most commonly associated with fast food, which was once — and can still be — considered “cheap.” But while it may be cheap in quality, it’s not always cheap in price .

Recent research from MoneyGeek found that from 2022 to 2024, menu prices for a burger, French fries and soda across 189 major and local chains in 50 of the largest cities in the U.S. have risen 24%, on average.

According to MoneyGeek’s findings, these are the 15 cities where a burger, fries and soda will cost you the most .

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15. Long Beach, California

• Average cost: $15.31

14. Virginia Beach

• Average cost: $15.41

13. Jacksonville, Florida

• Average cost: $15.49

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12. Mesa, Arizona

• Average cost: $15.90

11. Las Vegas

• Average cost: $16.16

10. Baltimore

• Average cost: $16.16

9. Philadelphia

• Average cost: $16.48

8. Phoenix

• Average cost: $16.53

7. New York City

• Average cost: $16.61

6. Los Angeles

• Average cost: $17.50

5. Boston

• Average cost: $17.63

4. Seattle

• Average cost: $17.83

3. San Francisco

• Average cost: $17.96

2. Washington, D.C.

• Average cost: $18.17

1. San Diego

• Average cost: $20.76

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 15 Most Expensive Cities To Buy a Basic Fast-Food Meal