News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

Burger King vs McDonald’s: Which $5 Meal Is the Best Bang for Your Buck?

On the heels of McDonald's "value meal" announcement, Burger King throws their crown in the ring.

burger king meal versus a mcdonald's meal
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

With the rise of inflation and its vice grip on Americans' wallets, prioritizing "luxuries" like fast food simply isn't an option. And it seems that finally, these mega-chains are ready to acknowledge this. 

After reports surfaced about McDonald's wild inflation markup, the chain announced it would offer a limited-time $5 value meal. Of course, once McDonald's committed to the leap, others followed suit.

The most recent contender? None other than McDonald's rival Burger King.

But now that the two are competitively going head-to-head, who stacks up as the better deal? We break it down here so you can stretch your fast food budget

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

McDonald's value meal

Heorshe/Adobe mcdonalds at changi airport

A recent study determined that fast food prices surged exorbitantly in the last 10 years. While the national inflation rate is 31%, many fast-food chains have raised prices even higher than "necessary." 

In fact, the study determined that McDonald's prices surged over 100%.

So corporate did what they do best: They came up with a band-aid solution. Currently, the chain is dangling a $5 value meal over consumers' heads. The meal includes the choice between a McChicken or McDouble, four-piece chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink.

And considering the McNugget Happy Meal is $4.99, this is a "steal." The promotion will last until the end of 2024. 

Burger King's competition

beeboys/Adobe burger king

Leaning on their long-time slogan, Burger recently announced their "Have It Your Way" $5 value meal.

In a bid to one-up McD's, Burger King's value meal offer includes a choice of three sandwiches, chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink. The deal will last until the end of October 2024, so you'd better hurry.

It's an interesting move, considering Burger King's price increases are marginally lower. According to the recent study, "the average cost for Burger King menu items has risen by 'just' 55%" since 2014.

Other sneaky competitors

Tada Images/Adobe Wendy's drive thru window

Of course, McDonald's and Burger King aren't the only ones vying for people's money. Even competitors like Wendy's are getting in on the value offers. Recently this chain announced they'd be offering a $3 breakfast value meal. 

Customers can choose between a bacon, egg, and cheese English muffin or a sausage, egg, and cheese English muffin, along with a side of small seasoned potatoes. 

This admittedly is an effort to rectify some of the public image damage done by the alleged "surge pricing" Wendy's was accused of in April. 

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Bottom line

ltyuan - stock.adobe.com counter of burger king

When it comes down to it, Burger King's value meal is the current champion of the value meal wars. 

Offering just one more option and running the sale longer, on top of already "reasonable" price increases, definitely makes it the clear winner. 

Will you be hitting up a BK drive-thru soon to save money on groceries?


Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details