On Tuesday, WalletHub released its ranking of the U.S. cities where people are spending the most — and least — on fast food.
The list looks at common fast foods like burgers, fried chicken sandwiches and pizza in 100 of the nation’s largest cities, comparing their prices to median household incomes.
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“Fast food has grown more and more expensive in recent years, outpacing inflation,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “As a result, it’s worthwhile for consumers to think critically about whether the convenience of fast food really justifies the cost.”
Nationally, the cities where fast food made up the largest share of median monthly household income were Cleveland (No. 1), Detroit (No. 2), and Newark (No. 3).
“Cleveland residents pay more for fast food relative to their income than people in any other city. Buying just one fast-food burger, a fried chicken sandwich, and a small pizza costs residents 0.68% of the median monthly household income. For comparison, the same fast food purchases would only cost 0.20% of the median monthly household income in Fremont, CA.
The primary reason why Cleveland ranks first is that it has the lowest median household income in the country, at $39,187 per year. Its fast food prices are actually reasonable. Out of 100 of the largest cities in America, Cleveland only has the 37th-most expensive burgers and chicken sandwiches, and 56th-most expensive pizzas.
Since Cleveland residents’ median earnings are low, though, fast food still takes up a large percentage of their incomes."
WalletHub, "Cities Where People Spend the Most & Least on Fast Food"
Within Florida itself, two areas managed to breach the top 10 cities in the country: Hialeah at No. 6, and Miami at No. 10.
The full Florida ranking is as follows:
| Rank | Florida City | Cost of Fast Food (Share of Median Income) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Hialeah | 0.59% |
| 10 | Miami | 0.53% |
| 34 | Tampa | 0.41% |
| 43 | St. Petersburg | 0.40% |
| 48 | Jacksonville | 0.39% |
| 51 | Orlando | 0.38% |
Meanwhile, the study also provides a few pointers for those looking to save money on fast food. They are as follows:
- USE COUPONS: “Fast food menu prices have gone up a lot in recent years, but you can score significant discounts by using coupons. The best place to find coupons is by using a specific fast food chain’s app, but you might also find some online or in the mall.”
- BUDGET WISELY: “If you eat fast food regularly, it’s important to know how to budget well. That way, you’ll have a good idea of how much you can afford to spend, which prevents overspending. When you create your budget, you should only add fast food with your ‘wants,’ after you’ve already set aside money for all your essential needs. Cutting back on other luxuries and building your savings can also make it easier to eat out more often."
- DON’T GET DELIVERY: “Having food delivered will make the cost skyrocket compared to picking it up yourself. You’ll have to pay delivery costs, convenience fees and tips on top of the regular menu price.”
- EAT OUT LESS OFTEN: “Eating fast food even a little less often than usual can save you quite a bit of money. Cooking for yourself might be less convenient, but it’ll likely be significantly cheaper.”
- JOIN REWARDS PROGRAM: "Some fast food chains have rewards programs that will give you free food once you’ve reached a certain spending threshold or ordered a certain number of times."
- DON’T GO CRAZY WITH YOUR ORDERS: "Adding extra toppings, sides or desserts, or ordering the largest available meal sizes, can quickly make fast food as expensive as some sit-down restaurants. Eating in moderation at fast food establishments is also better for your health."