Fast food is a staple of American life—quick, accessible, and often cheaper than dining in restaurants. But how much people spend on it varies widely from city to city. A new WalletHub analysis of 100 major U.S. cities ranked them based on the share of monthly household income residents dedicate to fast food purchases.
While fast food is typically viewed as the “budget-friendly” dining option, the study suggests spending habits reveal deeper economic realities. Recently, even McDonald’s executives admitted that some customers have started skipping breakfast—a sign, they argue, of growing financial pressure on U.S. households.
How the Study Was Conducted
The WalletHub report measured the cost of three fast food staples—a burger, a fried chicken sandwich, and a small pizza—and compared them against the median monthly household income in each city. Data was drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Council for Community and Economic Research, updated as of August 26.
Top 10 Cities Spending the Most on Fast Food
The results show that Cleveland, Ohio, tops the list, where families spend 0.68% of their monthly income on fast food. The report notes that Cleveland’s median annual household income—just $39,187, the lowest in the nation—explains why fast food accounts for such a high share of income, even though prices are near the national average.
Other high-spending cities include:
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Cleveland, OH – 0.68%
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Detroit, MI – 0.67%
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Newark, NJ – 0.62%
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Baltimore, MD – 0.61%
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Birmingham, AL – 0.60%
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Hialeah, FL – 0.59%
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Buffalo, NY – 0.57%
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Milwaukee, WI – 0.56%
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Toledo, OH – 0.56%
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Miami, FL – 0.53%
Cities Spending the Least on Fast Food
On the opposite end, Fremont, California, ranked lowest, with residents spending only 0.2% of their monthly income on fast food. Wealthier cities like Austin, TX (0.23%) and Plano, TX (0.24%) also ranked among the lowest.
This means residents of high-cost cities may spend three times as much of their income on fast food compared to those in more affluent areas.
Expert Insights
Chip Lupo, an analyst at WalletHub, commented:“Fast food prices have risen in recent years, outpacing inflation. Consumers should consider whether convenience is worth the cost. Where you live greatly influences what you spend—residents in higher-cost cities can end up devoting triple the income share compared to lower-cost areas.”
Conclusion
Fast food spending isn’t just about convenience—it’s a reflection of broader economic inequality across U.S. cities. For low-income households, grabbing a quick meal takes up a larger slice of their budget, while in wealthier areas, the impact is minimal. As fast food prices continue rising, the gap between affordability and accessibility is becoming an important measure of financial strain in America.