A Southern California McDonald’s customer couldn’t believe what she saw on the drive-thru menu board. The 40-piece Chicken McNugget bundle with two large fries was priced at $25.39 – and that didn’t even include a drink. Her shocked reaction went viral on TikTok, racking up 2 million views and sparking a nationwide debate about fast-food prices. The video has people sharing their own McDonald’s horror stories and comparing prices across the country.
California prices shock customers nationwide
The TikTok user @shannon_montipaya filmed her reaction at a Southern California McDonald’s location, expressing disbelief at the meal deal pricing. The bundle included 40 Chicken McNuggets and two large orders of fries for $25.39 before tax, which would bring the total to around $27. What made the situation even more frustrating for customers was that the meal didn’t include any beverages, despite the hefty price tag.
The video struck a nerve with viewers who remembered when similar meals cost much less. Many commenters shared memories of when 40 McNuggets cost just $5, and large drinks were only $1. The viral reaction highlighted how much fast-food prices have increased over the years, with some customers saying they spent nearly $50 on a single McDonald’s visit.
Regional price differences create major confusion
Comments on the viral video revealed dramatic price differences across the United States. A Florida resident mentioned that 50 nuggets cost only $15 in their area, while a Texas customer reported paying just $6.19 for 20 pieces and two large fries in Dallas. These stark contrasts show how McDonald’s franchise model allows individual owners to set their own prices based on local market conditions.
The price variations extend beyond nugget bundles to other menu items as well. In some Connecticut rest stop locations, a Big Mac combo meal approaches $19, while the same burger costs just $3.50 in Oklahoma. Alaska customers pay nearly 24% above the national average for McDonald’s items, while Wyoming residents enjoy prices 17.6% below the national average. Even within the same state, a Big Mac in Lee, Massachusetts costs $7.29, compared to $5.99 in Manhattan.
Minimum wage increases affect menu pricing
California’s recent minimum wage increase for fast-food workers jumped from $16 to $20 per hour, effective April 1st. Although the viral TikTok video was posted on March 27th, McDonald’s locations had been preparing for months for this significant wage increase. Many viewers connected the higher prices directly to this policy change, with comments like “$20 minimum wage… welcome to your new normal.”
The timing wasn’t coincidental, as several California fast-food chains began adjusting their operations before the wage increase took effect. MOD Pizza closed at least five California locations, while Pizza Hut and Round Table Pizza laid off employees in recent months. McDonald’s CEO acknowledged that these wage increases would affect franchisee cash flow, requiring price adjustments and operational changes to maintain profitability.
McDonald’s prices doubled since 2014
A recent study by FinanceBuzz found that McDonald’s prices have increased by 100% since 2014, though the company disputed these findings. Ten years ago, the average price of a 10-piece McNugget meal was $5.99, but now the same meal typically costs $10.99. This dramatic price increase has outpaced many other major fast-food chains and general inflation rates.
McDonald’s responded to the study by stating that pricing varies by individual franchisee and restaurant location. The company emphasized that the 2024 average prices listed in the report were “significantly inflated” and didn’t accurately represent current pricing across their restaurants. McDonald’s revealed during a February earnings call that it raised prices by about 10% in 2023, but expected any additional increases in 2024 to slow as inflation eases.
Customer reactions split on meal value
While many viewers expressed outrage at the $25.39 price tag, others defended the meal deal as reasonable value. Some commenters pointed out that the bundle was designed to serve four people, making it roughly $12.50 per person. These customers argued that the amount of food included – 40 McNuggets and two large fries – justified the price point, especially when compared to other restaurant options.
However, the majority of responses showed frustration with fast-food price increases. Comments ranged from “Too much for me, I’m gone” to calls for boycotting fast-food restaurants entirely. Many customers shared their own expensive McDonald’s experiences, with one person mentioning spending $48 on a single visit. The heated discussion showed how price sensitivity varies among different customer groups.
App deals offer better savings opportunities
Despite rising menu prices, McDonald’s app frequently offers significant discounts and exclusive deals that aren’t available in-store. The company’s summer value promotion includes $5 meal deals featuring a sandwich, small fries, 4-piece McNuggets, and a drink. Many locations also provide local specials through the app, such as buy-one-get-one-for-$1 breakfast sandwiches or $3.50 burger-and-fries combinations.
The MyMcDonald’s Rewards program provides additional savings opportunities, with every dollar spent earning points toward free menu items. Many commenters on the viral video mentioned that better deals are available through the app, suggesting that customers who don’t use mobile ordering miss out on substantial savings. These app-exclusive offers help offset some of the sticker shock from regular menu prices.
Social media amplifies price shock moments
The viral TikTok video represents a growing trend of customers sharing their fast-food price shock moments on social media. Earlier in 2024, similar videos highlighting expensive Egg McMuffins and Hash Browns also gained millions of views. These viral moments create widespread awareness of price increases that might otherwise go unnoticed by customers who don’t visit frequently.
Social media platforms allow customers to instantly compare prices across different regions and share their experiences with millions of viewers. The comments section of the viral video became a forum for customers to share their local McDonald’s prices, creating an informal nationwide price comparison. This instant sharing capability puts additional pressure on restaurants to justify their pricing decisions to a broader audience.
Franchise model creates pricing inconsistencies
McDonald’s franchise model gives individual owners significant freedom to set their own prices based on local market conditions, labor costs, and rent expenses. This system creates the dramatic price variations that surprised so many viewers of the viral video. Franchisees in high-cost areas like California and Connecticut charge more to cover their increased operating expenses.
The franchise system means that McDonald’s corporate has limited control over individual restaurant pricing, even when it creates negative publicity. While the company can provide pricing guidance and promotional support, franchisees ultimately decide what to charge their customers. This decentralized approach helps franchisees adapt to local market conditions but can create confusion when customers expect consistent national pricing.
Fast food no longer means cheap food
The viral video highlights a broader shift in the fast-food industry, where quick service no longer guarantees budget-friendly prices. Rising labor costs, ingredient prices, and operational expenses have pushed many fast-food items into price ranges that compete with casual dining restaurants. For families trying to feed multiple people, a $25+ McDonald’s meal might cost more than cooking at home or visiting other restaurant types.
This price evolution challenges McDonald’s traditional positioning as an affordable dining option for families and budget-conscious consumers. While some customers adapt by using app deals and promotions, others are reconsidering their fast-food habits entirely. The viral reaction suggests that many customers still expect McDonald’s to maintain its historical role as a low-cost meal solution, even as operating costs continue rising across the industry.
The $25 McDonald’s meal controversy shows how quickly social media can amplify customer frustrations about pricing. While regional differences and rising costs explain the price variations, customers clearly expect more consistency and value from their fast-food experiences. Smart shoppers can still find deals through apps and promotions, but the days of universally cheap fast food may be ending.
