As frustrations about rising fast-food prices persist, McDonald's remains at the center of the conversation. The fast-food giant has repeatedly made headlines because of its eyebrow-raising prices, such as the $17.89 combo meal that went viral on social media last year. McDonald's has since tried to shift its focus to making its food more affordable. While none of the chain's menu items have been immune to price increases, one often makes its way into price-related discussions: the Big Mac. Although McDonald's prices vary by location — with 90% of restaurants independently owned and operated by franchisees who can set their own prices — it's no surprise that the cost of a Big Mac has significantly increased since its debut. Here's a look at how one of the most popular fast-food items has risen in price over the last 56 years.
1960s
 |
| While McDonald's first opened in 1953, it wasn't until 1968 that the
chain launched the beloved Big Mac. The burger cost just 45¢. |
1970s
 |
| A vintage menu from the 1970s shows the Big Mac listed for just 65¢, while a large order of fries cost nearly as much at 46¢. In 1974, Big Macs in New York cost 85¢. |
1980s
 |
By the 1980s, McDonald’s shifted its focus to meal deals, with the Big Mac Value Pack (Big Mac, fries and a Coke) costing just $2.59.
|
1990s |
| In 1994, a Big Mac was priced at $2.45, while a Big Mac Value Meal cost $4.59. By 1998, the Big Mac had only increased to $2.50. |
2000s |
| The Big Mac entered the 2000s with an average price of $2.24, but as the years progressed it steadily increased to $2.35 in 2002, $2.58 in 2005, and $3.21 in 2008. |
2010s |
| According to the Big Mac Index, the average price of Big Mac was $4.18 in June 2013. By July 2019, the price hit $4.71. |
2020 |
| In December 2020, the average price of a Big Mac rose to $4.89.
Meanwhile, in New York City, a Big Mac cost a solid $5, while a Big Mac
meal came to $7.89. |
2024 |
| The latest Big Mac Index, which was reported in January 2024, found the average price of a Big Mac to be $5.69. A Big Mac combo with medium-size fries costs as much as $10.79. |
