Only four cities on ‘Cheeseburger Index’ had average meal below “5: report – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: nvmwebsites-budwg5g9avh3epea.z03.azurefd.net)
DoorDash’s latest Cheeseburger Index, part of its State of Local Commerce report covering June 2026 data, shows that a standard meal of cheeseburger, fries and soda remains below the $15 threshold in just four American cities. Nationally, the average price reached $18.51 and rose 3.2 percent year over year. The findings illustrate how menu prices continue to diverge sharply by location even as overall inflation pressures ease in some categories.
What the Index Measures
The Cheeseburger Index tracks the average posted price for a basic fast-food combo across major markets. It serves as a simple proxy for everyday dining costs and highlights regional differences in labor, rent and supply expenses. DoorDash compiles the data from millions of transactions on its platform, providing a real-time snapshot rather than a modeled estimate.
Because the index focuses on delivered or takeout pricing, it captures both menu rates and typical add-ons such as delivery fees in some cases. The modest national increase of roughly 60 cents over the past year suggests that rapid price growth seen in prior periods has slowed, yet wide gaps between cities persist.
Where Prices Stay Lowest
Austin, Laredo, Lincoln and Detroit are the only markets where the average combo fell below $15. Austin posted the lowest figure at approximately $12.94. These cities benefit from lower operating costs for restaurants or stronger local competition that keeps prices in check…