The study, released by personal finance website WalletHub, found that California ranks first nationally for the average price of an 11- to 12-inch pizza, fourth for burgers and third for fried chicken sandwiches.
Californians pay some of the highest fast-food prices in the nation, including the country’s most expensive pizza, according to a new analysis examining the cost of fast food relative to household income.
The study, released by personal finance website WalletHub, found that California ranks first nationally for the average price of an 11- to 12-inch pizza, fourth for burgers and third for fried chicken sandwiches.
Combined, the average cost of purchasing one burger, one pizza and one fried chicken sandwich in California is $30.26, according to the report. WalletHub’s analysis used pricing data collected in May from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Council for Community and Economic Research.
Despite those high menu prices, California ranked 28th overall when the costs were measured against household income. WalletHub calculated that the three-item fast-food purchase represents about 0.37% of the state’s median monthly household income, placing California near the middle of the pack nationally.
The findings illustrate how California’s relatively high incomes help offset some of the impact of the state’s elevated food prices.
Nationally, WalletHub reported that fast-food menu prices have risen by roughly 60% over the past decade, outpacing overall inflation. The study compared prices for burgers, pizza and fried chicken sandwiches in all 50 states and adjusted those costs based on median household income.
Mississippi ranked as the least affordable state for fast food, with the same three-item purchase accounting for 0.48% of the median monthly household income. New Jersey ranked as the most affordable at 0.27%.
