McDonald's Price Hike? 4 Budget Meals Under $5 & BOGO Deals

Lisa Bakker · 2026-05-26

McDonald's just raised prices again. If you're like me, you probably felt that sting the last time you ordered a Big Mac combo. But here's the thing: you don't have to give up your favorite fast food just because the menu got a little pricier. I've dug through the latest deals and coupon strategies to show you how to keep your wallet happy while still enjoying those golden arches. Let me walk you through four solid ways to eat at McDonald's for under $5—yes, even with the new prices. Plus, I'll share where to find those buy-one-get-one-free offers that actually work. ### The $5 Meal Hack: What You Need to Know McDonald's has a few menu items that stay surprisingly affordable, even after price increases. The key is knowing which combos to order. For example, the McDouble or McChicken sandwich can be paired with a small fries and a drink for around $5 total. It's not on the official value menu everywhere, but many locations still honor it if you ask nicely. Another trick? Use the McDonald's app. Seriously, it's a game-changer. You'll find exclusive deals like a free McFlurry with any purchase or a $2 off coupon on a $5 minimum order. Just download it, create an account, and check the "Deals" tab before you go. ### Buy One, Get One Free: Where to Find Real Coupons Everyone loves a BOGO deal, but they can be tricky to find. Here's what works: - **Check the app daily**: McDonald's rotates offers. One day it's a free McChicken with any sandwich purchase; another day it's a buy-one-get-one-free on Quarter Pounders. - **Look for local coupon books**: Some grocery stores or gas stations still have tear-off coupon pads for McDonald's. They're rare, but worth a glance. - **Follow social media**: McDonald's often announces flash deals on their Instagram or Twitter. Turn on notifications for their account. One thing to remember: these deals usually exclude breakfast items and specialty sandwiches. But for lunch or dinner, they're gold. ### 4 Budget-Friendly Combos Under $5 Here are my go-to orders that keep costs low without sacrificing taste. Prices may vary by location, but these should stay under $5 in most U.S. stores: 1. **McDouble + Small Fries + Small Drink** - About $4.50. Classic and filling. 2. **McChicken + Small Fries** - Around $3.80. Skip the drink if you have water at home. 3. **6-piece Chicken McNuggets + Small Fries** - Roughly $4.20. Perfect for a lighter meal. 4. **Egg McMuffin (breakfast)** - About $4.00. Available all day at most locations now. Pro tip: Always ask for extra lettuce or tomato on your sandwich. It's free and makes it feel more substantial. ### How to Stack Coupons for Maximum Savings Stacking isn't always allowed, but sometimes you can combine a coupon with a mobile order. For instance, if you have a "free fries with any purchase" coupon, use it on a $1 McChicken from the app. That's a meal for $1 plus tax. Be careful though—most coupons say "cannot be combined with other offers." But if you're ordering at the counter, you might get lucky with a friendly cashier who applies both. ### Final Thoughts: Don't Let Price Hikes Ruin Your Craving McDonald's price increases are real, but they don't have to break the bank. With a little planning and the right app, you can still eat there for under $5. I've been doing it for months, and it feels like a small win every time. Remember to check your local deals, because offers vary by region. And if you find a BOGO coupon, grab it fast—they don't last long. Happy saving, and enjoy your next McFlurry guilt-free!