Fast food prices are creeping up, but $10 can still go a surprisingly long way—if you know where to look. Whether you’re craving tacos, burgers, or bowls, some chains offer more bang for your buck than others. We ran the numbers and compared full meal combos at five major fast food spots to see what $10 actually gets you in 2024. Here’s how your dollars stack up at Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Burger King, Chipotle, and McDonald’s.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell remains one of the best value plays in the game. With $10, you can grab a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito ($2.79), a Cheesy Gordita Crunch ($4.79), and a medium fountain drink ($2.19)—coming in just under $10 before tax. Alternatively, mix and match from the Cravings Value Menu (items starting at $1.19) to build a feast of burritos, tacos, and sides tailored to your hunger.
Wendy’s
At Wendy’s, $10 lands you a Biggie Bag ($5)—which includes a sandwich, 4-piece nuggets, fries, and a drink—and still leaves room for a small chili ($3.39) or a junior frosty ($1.49). The Biggie Bag is hard to beat in terms of portion size and variety, and if you’re lucky, local pricing or app offers may even let you upgrade to a premium sandwich within that range.
Burger King
$10 at BK can stretch pretty far, especially with their frequent bundle deals. A popular choice: the 2 for $5 Mix & Match (Whopper Jr. and Chicken Jr.), a small fry ($2.59), and a small soft drink ($2.19)—totaling right around $10. If you use the app, you might even snag a $6 or $7 combo meal with a drink included.
Chipotle
Chipotle isn’t known for being the cheapest, but if you stick with basics, $10 can still build a solid bowl. A Chicken Burrito Bowl ($8.65) with rice, beans, veggies, and salsas—without premium extras like guac or queso—keeps you on budget. Skip the drink and grab water to stay under $10. Want a side? Chips and fresh tomato salsa come in at just around $2.15.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s $10 meals vary widely depending on location, but a typical haul might include a McDouble ($2.79), 6-piece nuggets ($3.69), small fries ($2.29), and a $1 any-size drink. You can also opt for a 2 for $6 Mix & Match deal (like a McChicken and McDouble) and still have room to add a side or dessert, depending on your local prices.
The Bottom Line
If variety and portion size are your priority, Taco Bell and Wendy’s offer the most flexible, filling options for $10. Burger King holds its own with frequent deals, while Chipotle delivers quality over quantity. McDonald’s sits in the middle—reliable, with plenty of mix-and-match options to build a meal that hits the sweet spot between cost and satisfaction.
Want more fast food price comparisons, rankings, and insider hacks? Head to InstaBites, where we break down big flavor on small budgets.
(Prices accurate at time of publishing.)
