WalletHub Ranks States by Fast Food Spending

If you've noticed prices rising at fast food restaurants lately, you're not imagining it. According to WalletHub, prices have increased nearly 47% over the past decade.

I was doing some research about favorite fast food places in Illinois, when I get an email about which states spend the most on fast food these days—and now I know which states spend the most. It's kind of surprising, actually.

MORE: Illinois Burger So Good, Guy Fieri Ranked It in His Top 5 on Triple D

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Top states that spend the most on fast food in 2025

At the top? Mississippi. Thei food prices aren't really overpriced, but their median household income is low. So, mix that with fast food and it's eating up nearly .47% of the average household income.

"Where you live can have a big impact on how much you shell out for fast food, too; it costs around 1.6 times more in the most expensive states than the cheapest states, relative to the median income.” [chip lupo, wallethub]

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That's so much money you could be saving! New Mexico, Kentucky, Arkansas, and West Virginia also made the top 5, but Wisconsin and Illinois are far from it!

How Much Wisconsin & Illinois Really Spend On Fast Food

Wisconsin ranked #22, while Illinois ranked 29th. It's pretty shocking where we ranked considering we have a McDonald's Wendy's, Culver's, Burger King, Arby's, and Taco Bell at every corner, intersection, and turn you take. I mean, you can drive five to ten minutes in any direction and run into a fast food joint. Make it make sense!

This is a good reminder that while fast food might still be the cheaper option when you don't feel like cooking, it adds up fast—especially when prices are rising faster than our paychecks can handle. But hey, I get it. Sometimes you just want a big ol' greasy burger that's made from a kitchen that's not yours.

See the full list where every state ranked here.