How Much Is a Big Mac? Price, Meal Cost and Calories
A Big Mac costs about $5.91 in most U.S. McDonald’s restaurants before tax. A medium Big Mac meal, with fries and a drink, costs about $9.34, and a large meal is about $10.15.
Your price may be a little lower or higher. Each McDonald’s sets its own prices, so a Big Mac in a big city, an airport or on a delivery app often costs more than one in a small town.
Big Mac prices at a glance
| Item | Typical price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Big Mac (sandwich only) | About $5.91 | 580 |
| Big Mac Meal (medium) | About $9.34 | Depends on drink |
| Big Mac Meal (large) | About $10.15 | Depends on drink |
| Double Cheeseburger | About $3.74 | 440 |
| McDouble | About $3.29 | 390 |
Why does the Big Mac price change from place to place?
Most McDonald’s restaurants are run by franchisees, which are local owners. McDonald’s can suggest prices, but each owner picks the final price based on rent, wages and local costs. That is why two McDonald’s a few miles apart can charge different amounts.
Delivery apps add another layer. The menu price on an app is often higher than in the store, and then you pay fees and a tip on top.
What comes on a Big Mac?
A Big Mac has two beef patties, a slice of American cheese, shredded lettuce, pickles, chopped onions and the famous Big Mac sauce, all on a sesame seed bun with a third bun piece in the middle. That middle bun is what makes it look so tall.
The sauce tastes a lot like Thousand Island dressing, sweet and tangy with bits of pickle.
How many calories are in a Big Mac?
A Big Mac has about 580 calories, 34 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein. It also has about 1,060 mg of sodium, which is close to half of what most adults should have in a full day. With medium fries and a regular soda, a Big Mac meal can pass 1,100 calories.
How much did a Big Mac cost when it first came out?
The Big Mac was created by Jim Delligatti, a McDonald’s franchise owner near Pittsburgh. It first went on sale in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on April 22, 1967, for just 45 cents. It was such a hit that McDonald’s added it to menus across the country in 1968.
What is the Big Mac Index?
The Economist magazine has used the Big Mac to compare money around the world since 1986. Because a Big Mac is almost the same everywhere, comparing its price in different countries gives a simple idea of whether a currency is cheap or expensive. For example, in July 2023 the index used a U.S. Big Mac price of $5.58.
How can you get a Big Mac for less?
- Check the McDonald’s app. The app often has deals like a free or discounted Big Mac with a purchase, and you earn points on every order.
- Order in the store or drive thru. You skip the higher delivery app prices and fees.
- Try a cheaper burger. A McDouble with lettuce and Big Mac sauce added is a popular hack that costs less. See our McDonald’s secret menu for how to order it.
- Skip the meal. If you only want the burger, buying it alone saves about $3.40 compared to a medium meal.
Big Mac vs. Whopper: which costs more?
They are close. A Whopper at Burger King costs about $5.49 to $6.19, so the price is very similar. The Whopper is bigger, with about 710 calories, while the Big Mac has 580. Compare them on our Burger King menu and Wendy’s menu pages.
For every burger, meal and dessert, see our full McDonald’s menu with prices. Hungry in the morning? Check McDonald’s breakfast hours.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Big Mac?
A Big Mac costs about $5.91 in most U.S. McDonald’s before tax. Prices change by location and are usually higher in big cities, airports and on delivery apps.
How much is a Big Mac meal?
A medium Big Mac meal costs about $9.34, and a large Big Mac meal costs about $10.15.
How many calories are in a Big Mac?
A Big Mac has about 580 calories, 34 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein.
Why is a Big Mac more expensive at some McDonald’s?
Most McDonald’s are run by local franchise owners who set their own prices based on rent, wages and other costs.
How much was the first Big Mac?
The first Big Mac sold for 45 cents in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1967.
What is in Big Mac sauce?
McDonald’s keeps the exact recipe private, but Big Mac sauce tastes like a sweet, tangy Thousand Island style dressing with pickle relish.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
