Fast-food chains, once a go-to for affordable meals, are now increasingly viewed as overpriced, with Shake Shack topping the list of consumer frustrations due to recent price hikes. But Shake Shack isn’t the only chain feeling the heat—heading into 2025, it seems every trip to the drive-thru stretches your dollar thinner than ever.
Fortunately, there’s some good news for those looking to save. Fast-food chains are doubling down on value menus this year, introducing even more options priced at just a few dollars. And if a juicy hamburger is what you’re craving, there are still budget-friendly choices out there. Several fast-food chains now offer hamburgers or cheeseburgers for under $5, making it easier for families to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank.
In-N-Out Cheeseburger
Nutrition (Per 1 Cheeseburger with Onion):
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 21g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
- Sodium: 1,070mg
- Carbs: 39g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 8g)
- Protein: 20g
Craving the protein-packed Double-Double at In-N-Out? Be prepared to shell out more than a $5 bill. Once priced under $5, the Double-Double now costs $5.90, according to Hack the Menu.
However, by downsizing to a single patty, you can keep your meal within the under-$5 range. As reported by Hack the Menu, an In-N-Out Cheeseburger currently costs $4.10. That price includes the freedom to customize your sandwich to create the perfect In-N-Out experience—all without breaking the bank.
Culver's ButterBurger with Cheese
Nutrition (Per 1 ButterBurger Single with Cheese):
- Calories: 460
- Fat: 23g (Saturated Fat: 11g)
- Sodium: 700mg
- Carbs: 39g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 7g)
- Protein: 24g
Culver's iconic ButterBurger is the epitome of classic fast food, and luckily, it’s still budget-friendly. According to Culver’s Menus, a single ButterBurger with Cheese costs just $4.39.
This signature sandwich is made with fresh, never-frozen beef and cooked to order—your patty doesn’t hit the griddle until you’ve placed your order. Topped with authentic Wisconsin cheese, the ButterBurger offers a true taste of the Midwest at a price that’s easy on the wallet.
Sonic Drive Thru Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger
Nutrition (Per 1 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger):
- Calories: 560
- Fat: 34g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
- Sodium: 1,330mg
- Carbs: 37g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 8g)
- Protein: 27g
At Sonic, most burgers, including the signature SONIC Cheeseburger, cost over $5, with the Cheeseburger priced at $5.09. However, if you’re on a budget, the Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger is your best bet at just $2.99, according to Sonic’s Menu.
Sonic also offers great deals to help you save even more. You can snag Half-Price Cheeseburgers every Tuesday after 5:00 p.m. through the Sonic app or take advantage of the Two for $7 deal, which lets you mix and match cheeseburgers and other sandwiches, reducing the per-item cost to $3.50.
McDonald's Double Cheeseburger
Nutrition (Per 1 Double Cheeseburger):
- Calories: 440
- Fat: 24g (Saturated Fat: 11g)
- Sodium: 1,120mg
- Carbs: 34g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g)
- Protein: 25g
McDonald’s, once synonymous with affordability, has gained a reputation for rising prices in recent years. For example, the iconic Big Mac now costs $5.99. However, budget-conscious diners can still find options under $5 beneath the Golden Arches.
One standout is the Double Cheeseburger, priced at $3.99, according to Hack the Menu. This classic burger features two beef patties, pickles, chopped onions, ketchup, mustard, and slices of American cheese—a satisfying option that won’t break the bank.
Jack in the Box Sourdough Jack
Nutrition (Per 1 Sourdough Jack):
- Calories: 660
- Fat: 41g (Saturated Fat: 15g)
- Sodium: 1,450mg
- Carbs: 40g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 8g)
- Protein: 35g
For a less conventional fast-food option, Jack in the Box offers tasty alternatives to the standard hamburger—all for under $5. The Sourdough Jack, featuring 100% beef, hickory-smoked bacon, tomato, Swiss cheese, mayo, and ketchup on toasted sourdough bread, costs $4.79 on its own, according to Hack the Menu.
If you’re looking for a variation, the Sourdough Cheesesteak Melt is another solid choice, priced at $4.49. Both sandwiches provide a flavorful twist while staying budget-friendly.
Wendy's Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger
Nutrition (Per 1 Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger):
- Calories: 370
- Fat: 23g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
- Sodium: 670mg
- Carbs: 25g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g)
- Protein: 18g
Wendy’s Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger remains a great value, priced at just $2.99 according to Hack the Menu. This popular burger features fresh beef, Applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, delivering big flavor for a small price.
For an even sweeter deal, you can add a Jr. Classic Frosty for $1.19 and still stay under $5 before tax—a perfect budget-friendly combo.
Whataburger Double Meat Whataburger Jr.
Nutrition (Per 1 Double Meat Whataburger Jr.):
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
- Sodium: 870mg
- Carbs: 37g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g)
- Protein: 23g
Whataburger, the Texas-based fast-food favorite, is renowned for its delicious burgers and chef-approved breakfast menu. For a wallet-friendly option under $5, the Double Meat Whataburger Jr. is a solid choice, priced at just $3.20 according to Hack the Menu.
Other affordable choices include the Bacon & Cheese Whataburger, which just sneaks under the $5 mark at $4.90. With options like these, Whataburger makes it easy to enjoy a flavorful meal without breaking the bank.
Five Guys Little Hamburger
Nutrition Information: Not Available
It might come as a surprise, but Five Guys—often considered one of the pricier fast-food chains—offers a burger for under $5. According to Hack the Menu, you can snag a Little Hamburger for $4.59.
If you’re craving cheese, though, you’ll need to spend a bit more, as the Little Cheeseburger is priced at $5.29. However, Five Guys allows you to load up on as many toppings as you like at no extra charge. As noted on their website, you can "add as many toppings as you want."
So, if Five Guys is your only option and you’ve got $5 to spend, you can enjoy a tasty burger—just skip the cheese to stay within budget.