How 13 McDonald’s Menu Items Prices Have Changed Over the Years
McDonald’s menu times haven’t exactly been strangers to change over the decades. Ever wonder how much more you’re paying for your favorites now compared to the ’70s and ’80s? What used to cost pocket change now takes a bit more thought.
Ah, yes, the good old days when a hamburger was cheaper than your morning coffee. Those $1.89 fries? They used to cost less than 50 cents. Inflation, ingredient costs, and market demands are to thank for these increases. Yet, those beautiful Golden Arches continue attracting millions of customers daily.
Here are 13 McDonald’s items and how their prices have evolved through the years. Please note that these prices may vary depending on your location. And while prices have changed, some things never do, like the ice cream machines. They’re always broken.
1. Big Mac
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When the Big Mac first launched, it was barely more expensive than the loose change in your car’s cup holder. Just 65 cents for two patties, that mysterious “special sauce,” and a satisfying experience. Over time, as McDonald’s flagship burger grew immensely in popularity, so did its price.
Now, at $6, you’ve got to really want that secret sauce. Time and inflation might have stolen our dreams of a sub-$1 Big Mac, but let’s be honest, you’re going to get it anyway.
2. French Fries
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that McDonald’s fries are sacred and arguably the only real reason anyone goes to McDonald’s. Back in the 70s, you could grab a medium order for just 26 cents. Now, $1.89 feels steep, but fries are still the MVP of any meal, and let’s face it, no one’s skipping them.
They’re the ultimate sidekick, the Robin to your Big Mac’s Batman, and even though inflation has taken its toll, there’s no getting around their importance. Skipping the fries is like watching a movie without popcorn. Just… no.
3. Quarter Pounder with Cheese
When the Quarter Pounder with Cheese was introduced in 1973, it was a big deal. For 70 cents, you could get a burger with a quarter pound of beef, which was a lot by fast food standards. It was a burger you had to tackle with both hands and maybe even a napkin or two.
At 70 cents, it was basically a steal. Now, at $6.39, it’s still a go-to option for anyone who wants more meat without the middle bun of the Big Mac.
4. McChicken
The McChicken started off as a solid Dollar Menu option in the 1980s, back when the Dollar Menu actually meant everything was a dollar. For just a buck, you could grab a sandwich that checked all the fast-food boxes: crispy, satisfying, and cheap.
Now, at $3.10, it’s still a go-to for many, but it’s no longer the bargain it once was. However, it’s still one of the cheapest sandwiches on the menu. We all miss the Dollar Menu’s glory days.
5. Shamrock Shake
The Shamrock Shake is a cult favorite that’s been around for decades. It has people counting down the days until St. Patrick’s Day. When it first hit the menu in the 1970s, it was just 50 cents for that minty green goodness.
It’s $3.79 these days, but for fans of this limited-time-only shake, it’s worth every penny (and wait). After all, it only comes around once a year, so you’ve got to get it while you can.
6. Happy Meal
The Happy Meal was introduced in the 1980s as a way to appeal to kids and parents who wanted a quiet meal. The cheeseburger version was $1.99 and came with fries, a drink, and a toy. It had everything a kid could want. It’s over $6 (Hamburger version) today, but the toy is still included, so we’re not complaining too much. Inflation can’t take that away… yet.
After all, the Happy Meal is all about the experience, and the nostalgia alone is worth the extra few bucks.
7. Filet-O-Fish
The famous Filet-O-Fish sandwich cost just $0.48 in the 1980s. It will cost you around $4.59 today, which feels like a lot for a famously smaller sandwich than most. But for those who love the Filet-O-Fish, no other sandwich can compare.
It hits the spot when you’re in the mood for something different. Plus, it’s practically tradition for some, especially during Lent. Sure, it’s more expensive, but fish sandwiches don’t come cheap these days, especially when they’re this iconic.
8. McFlurry
The McFlurry is a more recent addition, but the price has increased even in its short time on the menu. It’s almost doubled since the ’90s. These days, it’s $4.39, and while the price has gone up, the number of times the ice cream machine is broken has stayed exactly the same.
Don’t get the wrong idea—the M&M’s McFlurry is still delicious if you can catch the ice cream machine working.
9. Apple Pie
When McDonald’s first launched in the 1960s, its deep-fried apple pie was just 20 cents. Now, it’s $1.89, which still feels like a deal, even if the pies are baked instead of fried. They’re less crispy but also less guilty. Maybe.
Many of us miss the days when it was deep-fried, and we had no idea what “calories” meant. The recipe may have changed, but the nostalgia hasn’t. It still is a perfect way to finish a meal without going overboard.
10. Large Coffee
Coffee at McDonald’s used to cost just a quarter, which is the price that makes you want to drink it all day. Today, it’s $2.15. Compare that to the $5 lattes at fancy coffee shops that charge $6 for a latte you can’t pronounce.
Where baristas give you sad stories about how their roommate keeps stealing their almond milk with every pour, it still sounds like a no-nonsense option. Sometimes, simplicity wins, and McDonald’s coffee is the perfect example.
11. McDouble
When introduced in the 2000s, the McDouble was a Dollar Menu staple. For just $1, you got two patties and a slice of cheese. It was the kind of deal that made you feel like you were getting away with something.
Today, it’s $3.65, and while it’s no longer the bargain it once was, it’s still one of the best value options on the menu. Plus, if you’re looking for a little more bang for your buck, it’s hard to beat two patties and a cheese slice for under $4. It’s still a better deal than most fast-food burger places.
12. Soft Drinks
There’s something about sipping a giant, ice-cold Coke from a McDonald’s cup that hits differently. McDonald’s has always kept soft drinks relatively affordable, but even they’ve seen a price bump.
In the ’70s, a medium soft drink cost just a quarter, making it the perfect way to wash down your meal without spending too much. It’s closer to $1.69, but McDonald’s often runs those $1 soft drink deals, which feels like a small victory.
13. Chicken McNuggets
Chicken McNuggets are a fan favorite, and the 10-piece box has become a staple for those who want more than a snack but nothing more. Back in the 80s, you could score a 10-piece McNuggets for around $1.99. Fast forward to 2024; that box costs between $2.89 and 5.60, depending on your location.
Despite the price hikes, McNuggets have become a go-to menu item. Made with all-white meat since 2003, they offer that perfect crispy bite we crave, especially when ranch, barbeque, spicy buffalo, and honey mustard sauces are involved.
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