McDonald's Price Hike: 4 Money-Saving Tips for Big Savings

Lisa Bakker · 2026-05-26

### McDonald's Raises Prices: What You Need to Know McDonald's is raising prices across the board starting May 27. Yes, your favorite McFlurry or Big Mac will cost a bit more. It's not just a small increase either—some items are going up by as much as 20 cents. That might not sound like much, but it adds up if you eat there regularly. This isn't a surprise, honestly. Fast food prices have been creeping up for years now. But it still stings when you're used to grabbing a quick meal for under $5. The good news? There are ways to still get a full meal for less than $10. You just need to know the tricks. ### The 4 Best Ways to Save at McDonald's I've tested these strategies myself, and they really work. Here's what you need to do: - **Use the McDonald's App**: This is the biggest game-changer. The app offers exclusive deals you can't get anywhere else. Think buy one get one free on McFlurries or $1 off any sandwich. Just download it, create an account, and check the offers before you order. - **Look for Coupon Codes Online**: Websites like RetailMeNot or Groupon often have McDonald's coupon codes. You can find discounts like 20% off your entire order or free fries with a purchase. Just search before you leave the house. - **Order from the Dollar Menu**: McDonald's still has a value menu, even if it's not called that anymore. Items like the McChicken or small fries are usually under $2. Combine a couple of these for a cheap meal that's still filling. - **Ask About Combo Upgrades**: Sometimes, upgrading a combo to a larger size costs just 50 cents more. But if you're not hungry, stick with the small. You'll save about $1.50 per meal just by skipping the upgrade. ### Why These Tips Matter More Than Ever Let's be real: inflation is hitting everyone hard. Gas prices are up, groceries are up, and now fast food is too. But you don't have to give up your McDonald's cravings entirely. With a little planning, you can still enjoy a meal without breaking the bank. For example, using the app's "$1 off any sandwich" deal plus a small fries ($1.79) and a drink ($1.29) gets you a complete meal for under $5. That's almost half the price of a regular combo. Crazy, right? ### A Quick Note on the Price Increases The biggest jumps are on the premium items. The Big Mac is going up by about 15 cents, and the Quarter Pounder with Cheese is up by 20 cents. Breakfast items like the Egg McMuffin are also seeing a 10-cent increase. But the value menu items? They're mostly staying put. So if you're on a budget, stick to the basics. A McChicken, small fries, and a small drink will run you about $4.50 after tax. That's a full meal for under $5. Can't beat that. ### Final Thoughts Look, price hikes suck. But they don't have to ruin your lunch plans. With the app, coupon codes, and a little strategy, you can still eat at McDonald's without feeling ripped off. Just remember: check the app first, skip the upgrades unless you're really hungry, and always look for a coupon before you order. And hey, if you're really feeling creative, you can even make a DIY McFlurry at home for a fraction of the cost. But that's a story for another day.