Few U.S. Cities Still Offer Meals Under $15, Study Finds

WHO:

Fox Business - Jessica Lachs, chief analytics officer at DoorDash

WHAT:

Fox Business - A recent DoorDash State of Local Commerce report found that only four U.S. cities had an average meal price below $15.

Fox Business - The average price of a cheeseburger, fries, and soda increased by 3.2% over the past year.

Fox Business - The average cost of a cheeseburger combo in Anchorage, Alaska, is $28.28, while in Austin, Texas, it is $12.94.

WHERE:

Fox Business - The four cities with average meal prices below $15 are Austin and Laredo, Texas; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Detroit, Michigan.

Fox Business - The most expensive burger combo average was found in Anchorage, Alaska.

WHEN:

Fox Business - The report is based on current data from DoorDash's Cheeseburger Index.

WHY:

Fox Business - DoorDash indicated that cities in the South and Southeast benefit from lower operating costs, contributing to more affordable restaurant meals and groceries.

Fox Business - Rising restaurant prices reflect broader operating costs, including labor, rent, and energy, rather than just food costs.

HOW:

Fox Business - The Cheeseburger Index tracks the average cost of a cheeseburger, fries, and soda across U.S. cities.

(UPDATED August 9, 2026 22:04 UTC)

A recent DoorDash State of Local Commerce report reveals that only four U.S. cities have an average meal price below $15, with Austin and Laredo in Texas, Lincoln in Nebraska, and Detroit in Michigan making the cut. The report also highlights that the average price of a cheeseburger combo has risen by 3.2% over the past year, with Anchorage, Alaska, having the highest average at $28.28, while Austin offers a more affordable price of $12.94. DoorDash's Cheeseburger Index shows that cities in the South and Southeast enjoy lower operating costs, which helps keep restaurant meals and groceries more affordable despite rising prices driven by labor, rent, and energy costs.