8 Fast-Food Value Menus Ranked by What You Actually Get for $5

The cost of food away from home is projected to rise by 3.5% in 2026 and 2.1% in 2027, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). That means it isn't as easy to stretch your fast food budget further. Enter the value meal.

While fast food value menus once featured bounties of bargains at budget-friendly prices, today's options aren't as affordable. Which chains still deliver a real meal for less?

We did the legwork for you and researched how much you can actually get for $5. From in-app exclusives to cost-effective combos, here are the top picks from some of the most popular chains.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

McDonald's

McDonald's introduced its iconic Dollar Menu in the early 2000s as a way to provide consumers with the fast food they love at prices they can afford. By 2013, the brand expanded its lineup of low-cost options to include $1, $2, and $5 choices with the Dollar Menu & More. The latest version, the McValue menu, features $3, $4, and $5 meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

What can you get at the "golden arches" for $5? If you're looking for a morning meal, the Sausage Biscuit, Sausage McMuffin, Sausage Burrito, Hash Browns, and Medium McCafe Premium Roast Coffee are bargains for $3 or under each. Or you could go for a combo and nab a $4 Meal Deal (choose from a Sausage Biscuit, hash browns, and a small coffee or a Sausage McMuffin, hash browns, and a small coffee).

The "Under $3" lunch/dinner menu includes the McDouble, McChicken, four-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries, and the medium-size soft drink (priced individually).

Want a full meal? The $5 Meal Deals include the McChicken Meal Deal (a McChicken sandwich, four-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries, and a small drink) and the McDouble Meal Deal (a McDouble sandwich, four-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries, and a small drink).

Taco Bell

In the mood for Mexican? The Luxe Value Menu features 10 options for $3 or less each.

While the menu doesn't include full combos, you can nab a $2.99 Chili Cheese Burrito, $3 Fresca Pepper Jack Steak Burrito, $2.79 Beefy Potato Loaded Griller, $2.49 Mini Taco Salad, $3 Melty Pepper Jack Steak Burrito, $2.49 Chips and Nacho Supreme Dip, $2.99 Avocado Ranch Chicken Stacker, $1.39 Cheesy Roll Up, $1.39 Spicy Potato Soft Taco, $1.49 Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, $2.39 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt, $2.89 Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, or $2.99 Cheesy Double Beef Burrito.

Burger King

Burger King offers a few select breakfast, lunch, and dinner combos at affordable prices. If you order before 10:30 a.m., you could snag the $5 Biscuit Meal (Sausage, Egg, and Cheese, Fully Loaded, or Bacon, Egg, and Cheese on a buttermilk biscuit with small hash browns and a small coffee). If you don't need a cup of java to start your day, the $4 option includes the Biscuit and hash browns.

Your best lunch/dinner bet is the $5 Duo. Choose two items from these popular picks: Whopper Jr., Bacon Cheeseburger, Original Chicken Sandwich, medium fries, eight-piece Chicken Fries, or a medium soft drink.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box has a rotating value menu that includes burgers, tacos, chicken, and sides — all priced between $1 and $4.

While the specific picks are subject to change, examples include $1.29 for two tacos, $2.99 for a Jr. Jumbo Jack, $2.49 for a 4-Piece Chicken Nuggets, and $2.39 for Sourdough Grilled Cheese.

Sonic Drive-In

This drive-in's value menu features everything from beefy burgers to sweet treats. Priced at $1.99 each, the options include a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, Garlic Parmesan Ranch Crispy Tender Wrap, Cheesy Baja Crispy Tender Wrap, Small Barq's Root Beer Float, or Vanilla Soft Serve Cup.

At those prices, you can combine two options (like a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger and a Barq's Root Beer Float to drink) while staying under $5.

Arby's

Known for their roast beef, Arby's also has an extensive value menu with plenty of under-$5 options. These include smaller-sized versions of fan faves, like the $2.39 Roast Beef Slider and $2.39 Buffalo Chicken Slider, as well as desserts ($2.19 each for a Cherry or Apple Turnover), wraps ($2.99 for a Ranch Chicken Wrap or Honey Mustard Chicken Wrap), fries ($3.19 for curly or crinkle), and $2.79 soft drinks.

Wendy's

Wendy's "Biggie Deals" are now mostly $6 and $8 offers. But you can still snag a few options for under $5.

For $4, you can choose one item from the Biggie Bites menu: a Crispy Chicken Sandwich, a Jr. Cheeseburger, a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, a four-piece chicken Nuggs, or a Jr. Fry, and then add a four-piece chicken Nuggs, Jr. Fry, or small soft drink.

KFC

Unlike some of the other fast food chains on our list, KFC doesn't offer a wide range of value-priced picks. But if you only have $5 to spend, you can still get a filling lunch or dinner.

The Taste of KFC 2-Piece Deal includes two pieces of the brand's beloved fried chicken (one drumstick and one thigh), a side of mashed potatoes with gravy, and of course, a buttery biscuit.

Bottom line

Keep in mind, prices and availability vary by location. The fast food industry is quickly evolving, making it tricky to pinpoint precise deals. A decent deal today could have a higher price tag tomorrow.

How can you avoid wasting money on your next order? Hint: Compare the cost of a full meal (individual main, side, and drink) against combos and check the chain's app or website for online exclusives.

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Author Details

Erica Loop

Erica Loop brings more than 15 years of experience specializing in smart shopping and everyday saving strategies. At FinanceBuzz, she has written more than 200 articles tracking deals at major retailers such as Costco, Aldi, and Trader Joe's. She has a knack for helping readers identify which sales are actually worth it, which budget-friendly products rival their pricier counterparts, and which trending products are genuinely worth the hype versus a quick pass.