2 min read- A new study explores the average cost of a McDonald’s Big Arch burger in every state.
- The most expensive state to buy the Big Arch is Alaska, where the average cost is $10.32.
- States like Oklahoma, Texas, and Indiana have the lowest average cost, with prices hovering around $8.
The new Big Arch burger at McDonald’s has been one of the brand’s most viral launches since the Grimace Shake (IYKYK). The CEO’s now-infamous video tasting the burger has since spawned countless responses from other fast food executives. By the time the Big Arch officially hit the menu, customers rushed to their local McDonald’s to experience the hype themselves (myself included).
Fast-food prices have been steadily rising over the past several years. But, even with two Quarter Pounder patties and specialty toppings, the cost of a Big Arch comes with some serious sticker shock. At my local New York City location, it came out to $10.19 (and that’s before tax!).
But not all McDonald’s menus are created equally. Food & Wine published a study by NeoMam Studios that breaks down the cost of a Big Arch across the country—and it varies widely depending on the location, labor, and transportation costs.
The agency identified the three most populous cities in each state, then recorded the price of a Big Arch at three McDonald’s locations in each city. From there, NeoMam calculated the average price per state and ranked them from most to least expensive.
The state with the highest-average Big Arch price, clocking in at $10.32, doesn’t necessarily come as a surprise: Alaska. Its location outside the contiguous United States translates to much higher transportation costs, which is why the state consistently tops the list of the priciest McDonald’s menus.
Most of the states topping this list have an average price in the double digits. Following close behind is Washington State, with a Big Arch costing $10.19. A burger in Maine and Hawaii will cost you around $10.03 and $10.00, respectively. Rounding out the top five is Arizona, which hovers a few cents lower at $9.96.
On the more affordable side of the spectrum, we have Arkansas, with the fifth-lowest average Big Arch price of $8.22. Other states near the bottom of the list include Idaho, West Virginia, Indiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. The cost varies only by a few cents, with Oklahoma’s Big Arch costing customers around $8.05 on average.
If you’re looking for the cheapest Big Arch at a single location, you’ll have to head to Columbia, South Carolina, to snag a burger for $7.46. The most expensive burger at a single location can be found in Lewiston, Maine, where a Big Arch will set you back $12.99 (even though the statewide average is $10.03). Upgrading to a Big Arch is already a premium experience—but you may have to pay another premium depending on where you live.