The States Spending the Most on Fast Food May Surprise You

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A customer gets change after he paid his order at McDonald's, a fast food restaurant, in Wheeling, Ill., Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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(AURN News) — It’s no secret that everything has gotten more expensive. From grocery stores to restaurants, Americans continue to spend more just to feed their families.

A new report from WalletHub reveals which states spend the most and the least of their monthly income on fast food.

According to WalletHub, fast-food menu prices have increased 60% since 2014, nearly double the rate of inflation during that period.

“Where you live can have a big impact on how much you shell out for fast food, too; it costs around 1.8 times more in the most expensive states than the cheapest states, relative to the median income,” said Chip Lupo, a writer and analyst for WalletHub.

The report found that Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and West Virginia spend the highest percentage of their income on fast food. Meanwhile, residents of New Jersey, Maryland and Massachusetts spend the lowest percentage.

The findings come as many Americans continue to look for ways to stretch their budgets amid higher food prices and rising everyday expenses.


Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:

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