Kentucky Ranks 3rd in Fast Food Spending as Costs Rise

As fast food prices soar nationwide, new data reveals that Kentuckians are feeling the pinch more than most, spending the third-highest share of their income on quick meals. The personal-finance website WalletHub has released a new report on the states where Americans spend the most and the least on fast food.

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Why We Love Fast Food

There are so many reasons people turn to fast food when deciding what to eat. Whether it’s a quick lunch break or a late-night snack, fast food is ideal for busy lifestyles and is often seen as a more affordable option. From classic burger joints and fried chicken chains to taco spots, sandwich shops, and pizza places, the variety is almost endless, and I'm here for it!

Fast Food Pricing on the Rise

With fast food prices rising by an average of 47% over the past decade, Kentucky residents spend the third-highest percentage of their income on fast food in the nation, according to a new report from WalletHub.

Kentucky Fast Food Rankings

Despite ranking near the middle in terms of actual food prices, 13th for burgers, 22nd for pizza, and 25th for fried chicken sandwiches. The overall cost of fast food takes a disproportionate bite out of household budgets.

Kentucky Fast Food Spending

On average, Kentuckians spend $23.85 on a typical fast food meal, which amounts to 0.46% of the median monthly household income, placing the state among the highest in income-adjusted spending. With the state’s median household income ranking as the seventh lowest in the country at $62,417, residents have less disposable income to cover everyday expenses. This combination of lower earnings and higher costs places a heavier financial burden on many households, making fast food a significant strain on their budgets.

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Fast Food Breakdown in Kentucky

(1 = Most Expensive; 25 = Average)

Average Cost of Fast Food (burger, pizza, and fried chicken sandwich): $23.85

Cost as a Percentage of Median Monthly Household Income: 0.46%

13th – Average Price of a Burger

22nd – Average Price of an 11–12" Pizza

25th – Average Price of a Fried Chicken Sandwich

STATE-BY-STATE BREAKDOWN

Source: WalletHub

“With fast food prices rising by an average of 47% over the past decade, it’s fair for consumers to wonder whether the convenience of having food in minutes is really even worth it anymore. 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 Analyst

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