Once considered an affordable meal option for families and workers alike, fast food is quickly becoming out of reach for many. A new study by LendingTree reveals that even employees at fast food restaurants are finding it harder to afford a simple combo meal. The study indicates that, on average, fast food workers need to work twice as long as employees in other industries to buy a meal at their workplace.
In California, where the minimum wage for fast food workers was recently raised to $20 an hour, fast food chains responded by raising their prices—leaving customers and employees alike in a bind. The result? The era of the cheap fast food meal may be over.
Life coach Sue Abramowitz shared her personal experience, noting, “It doesn’t surprise me. We went to McDonald’s recently, and it was $30 for just a few meals. Food is expensive. Everyone needs a break from cooking, but wages aren’t keeping pace with costs, even with $20 an hour.”
Brian Harnick, a legal expert, offered a broader perspective, saying, “Minimum wage jobs were always intended to be entry-level positions for young people or those starting out. They were never designed to support an entire family. While prices are rising, it’s because of inflation and higher operational costs. Fast food operators are going to adapt by using kiosks and technology, not by continually raising wages. Capitalism works when it’s done right, with appropriate controls to support those in need, but otherwise, we have to let the free market operate.”
The shift in fast food affordability highlights broader economic challenges, with rising costs affecting both consumers and workers in industries once seen as a refuge for affordable dining.
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By: Fred Roggin
June 3, 2025
