Price menu at McDonald’s lists McChicken sandwiches and apple pies for value meals under five dollars. If you are looking to save money on fast food, this guide breaks down every item, deal, and trick to get the most for your cash. McDonald’s value menu has changed a lot over the years, but it still offers some of the cheapest eats around.
You might think the Dollar Menu is gone for good. In many ways, it is. But the chain now uses a “1 2 3 Value Menu” and other saver options. Knowing what is actually on the price menu at McDonald’s can help you avoid overpaying for a simple lunch or dinner.
Let’s walk through the current lineup, the best deals, and how to order smart. This is not a list of every single item in the restaurant. It is a focused look at the affordable side of the menu.
Price Menu At Mcdonald’s: What Is Included Today
The official value menu at McDonald’s is called the “1 2 3 Value Menu.” Items are priced at one, two, or three dollars. Some locations have slightly different prices, but the core list stays the same across most of the United States.
Here is what you typically find on the $1, $2, and $3 tiers:
- $1 Items: Sausage Burrito, McChicken (sometimes $1, sometimes $2 depending on location), Apple Pie, Cookies, and small soft drinks.
- $2 Items: Double Cheeseburger, McFlurry (small), large fries (sometimes), and some breakfast sandwiches.
- $3 Items: Happy Meal (basic), Quarter Pounder with Cheese (in some markets), and larger breakfast platters.
But here is the catch. Not every McDonald’s follows this pricing exactly. Franchise owners can set their own prices. So the price menu at McDonald’s in New York City will cost more than the same menu in rural Ohio. Always check the app or the in-store screen before you order.
Mcchicken Sandwich: The Star Of The Value Menu
The McChicken is probably the most popular item on the value menu. It is a simple breaded chicken patty with lettuce and mayo on a bun. For one or two dollars, it is hard to beat.
You can make it a meal by adding fries and a drink for a few extra dollars. But if you want to stay under five dollars total, just order the sandwich alone. Some locations let you add cheese for 30 cents, which is a good upgrade.
One thing to watch: the McChicken used to be a permanent $1 item. Now, many stores list it at $1.49 or $1.99. Still cheap, but not a dollar anymore.
Apple Pie: A Sweet Deal Under A Dollar
The baked apple pie is another staple of the price menu at McDonald’s. It is warm, flaky, and filled with cinnamon apples. At most locations, it costs around $1.00 to $1.29.
This is a great dessert option if you want something sweet without spending three bucks on a McFlurry. Just be careful—the pie can be very hot inside. Let it cool for a minute before biting in.
Double Cheeseburger: Two Patties For Two Bucks
The Double Cheeseburger is a solid choice for the $2 tier. You get two beef patties, two slices of cheese, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard. It is filling enough for a small meal.
If you want to save even more, order the McDouble instead. It is similar but has only one slice of cheese. The price difference is usually about 30 cents, so the McDouble is often the better value.
How To Find The Best Deals On The Price Menu At Mcdonald’s
You do not have to rely on the printed menu alone. McDonald’s has several ways to save money that are not always obvious. Here are the best strategies.
Use The McDonald’s App For Exclusive Offers
The app is the number one way to get discounts. You can find deals like a free McFlurry with any purchase, or a $2 off any order over $5. These offers change every week.
To use the app:
- Download it from your phone’s app store.
- Create an account (it is free).
- Look for the “Deals” tab.
- Select a deal and show the code at the counter or drive-thru.
Many people forget to check the app. That is a mistake. The app often has better prices than the regular menu. For example, you might see a large fries for $1 in the app, but it costs $2.50 on the board.
Look For The “Mix And Match” Deals
Some McDonald’s locations let you mix and match items from the value menu. You can pick two or three items for a set price. This is not advertised everywhere, so ask at the counter.
Common mix-and-match combos include:
- Two McChickens for $3
- One McChicken and one small fries for $2.50
- Three items (like a burger, fries, and drink) for $5
These deals are not on the official menu board. You have to ask or look for small signs near the register.
Order From The “Dollar Menu” At Breakfast
Breakfast has its own value items. The Sausage Burrito is a classic $1 item. It is small but filling, with scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, and salsa. You can also get a Sausage McMuffin for around $2 in many places.
If you want a full breakfast under $5, order a Sausage Burrito and a small orange juice. That should cost around $2.50 to $3.00 total.
Common Mistakes People Make With The Price Menu At Mcdonald’s
Even smart shoppers can waste money if they are not careful. Here are the biggest errors to avoid.
Assuming All Items Are The Same Price Everywhere
As mentioned, franchise owners set their own prices. A McChicken might be $1.49 at one store and $2.29 at another down the street. Always check the price before you order.
If you are in a high-cost area, consider driving a few extra miles to a cheaper location. The savings can add up.
Ordering A “Value Meal” Without Checking The Price
The “Value Meal” label does not always mean it is cheap. A McChicken value meal (sandwich, fries, drink) can cost $5.50 or more. That is not a great deal if you only wanted a sandwich.
Instead, order the sandwich alone and get a small drink from the dollar menu. You will save a dollar or two.
Ignoring The “Secret Menu” Items
McDonald’s does not have an official secret menu, but you can customize items. For example, ask for a McChicken with no mayo and add a slice of cheese. Or order a Double Cheeseburger with no pickles and extra onions.
These customizations do not cost extra in most cases. But be polite when asking. The staff is busy.
Comparing The Price Menu At Mcdonald’s To Other Fast Food Chains
How does McDonald’s value menu stack up against competitors like Burger King, Wendy’s, or Taco Bell? Let’s compare.
Burger King’s Value Menu
Burger King has a “Your Way Meal” for $5, which includes a Whopper Jr., fries, a drink, and a cookie. That is a better deal than McDonald’s $5 meal in some cases. But BK’s individual value items (like the $1 Chicken Jr.) are similar to McDonald’s.
Wendy’s Value Menu
Wendy’s has a “Biggie Bag” for $5 that includes a sandwich, fries, a drink, and a four-piece nugget. That is more food than McDonald’s $5 meal. Wendy’s also has a $1.99 Dave’s Single burger that competes with the McDouble.
Taco Bell’s Value Menu
Taco Bell’s “Cravings Value Menu” has items starting at $1. You can get a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito for $1.29 or a Spicy Potato Soft Taco for $1. Taco Bell is often cheaper than McDonald’s for similar portion sizes.
Overall, McDonald’s is competitive but not always the cheapest. The advantage of McDonald’s is consistency. You know what you are getting every time.
Tips For Staying Under $5 On The Price Menu At Mcdonald’s
Here is a step-by-step plan to eat at McDonald’s for less than five dollars.
- Start with a McChicken or a McDouble. These are the best value sandwiches.
- Add a small fries from the $1 menu if available. If not, skip the fries.
- Get a small drink from the dollar menu. Water is free if you ask.
- Finish with an apple pie for dessert if you have room.
This combo should cost around $3.50 to $4.50 depending on your location. You get a sandwich, fries, drink, and dessert for under five bucks. That is a full meal.
If you want a breakfast version, order a Sausage Burrito ($1), a Sausage McMuffin ($2), and a small coffee ($1). Total is about $4.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Price Menu At Mcdonald’s
Here are answers to common questions people have about the value menu.
Is the McChicken still on the dollar menu?
It depends on the store. Many locations now charge $1.49 or $1.99 for a McChicken. Check the menu board or app for the exact price at your local McDonald’s.
Can I get a value meal for under $5?
Yes, but you have to choose carefully. A McChicken value meal (sandwich, small fries, small drink) is often around $4.50 to $5.50. If you want to stay under $5, order the sandwich alone and get a drink from the dollar menu.
Does McDonald’s still have a $1 menu?
Not exactly. The old Dollar Menu was replaced by the 1 2 3 Value Menu. Some items are $1, but many are $2 or $3. The Sausage Burrito and apple pie are usually $1.
Are the prices on the app cheaper than in-store?
Often yes. The app has exclusive deals that can lower the cost of a meal by $1 or $2. Always check the app before you go.
Can I customize value menu items without extra cost?
Basic customizations like no pickles or extra lettuce are free. Adding cheese or extra meat usually costs extra. Ask the cashier before ordering.
Final Thoughts On The Price Menu At Mcdonald’s
The price menu at McDonald’s is a great way to eat fast food without breaking the bank. You just need to know what to order and where to look for deals. Stick to the McChicken, McDouble, apple pie, and breakfast burritos for the best value.
Remember to use the app for extra savings. And don’t be afraid to ask about mix-and-match deals or customizations. A little effort can save you a lot of money over time.
Next time you are hungry and short on cash, give the value menu a try. You might be surprised at how much food you can get for under five dollars.