McDonald's
Items
128
Avg Price
$3.87
Rating
2/5
Unique Items
118
McDonald's vs Wendy's— Menu Price Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of menu prices, 10 shared items, average cost, and ratings to help you decide which restaurant is the better value. Updated September 2026.
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Wendy's
Items
177
Avg Price
$4.45
Rating
2/5
Unique Items
167
McDonald's vs Wendy's — Key Takeaways
At-a-glance restaurant comparison data for price-conscious diners
Better Value
McDonald's
Shared Items
10
Avg Price Gap
$0.58
Top Rated
Tie
Price analysis:
Wendy's averages $4.45 per item while
McDonald's averages $3.87, making McDonald's
approximately $0.58 cheaper per item on average.
Shared food categories:
burger
Menu Item Price Comparison
10 itemsShared menu items ranked by largest price difference between McDonald's and Wendy's
| # | Menu Item | McDonald's | Wendy's | Price Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Fries | $3.59 | $1.19 | $2.40 |
| 2 | Sausage Biscuit | $2.79 | $1.79 | $1.00 |
| 3 | Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit | $4.59 | $3.69 | $0.90 |
| 4 | Milk | $1.49 | $1.99 | $-0.50 |
| 5 | Chocolate Milk | $1.49 | $1.99 | $-0.50 |
| 6 | Coca-Cola | $1.79 | $2.29 | $-0.50 |
| 7 | Sprite | $1.79 | $2.29 | $-0.50 |
| 8 | Diet Coke | $1.79 | $2.29 | $-0.50 |
| 9 | Fanta Orange | $1.79 | $2.29 | $-0.50 |
| 10 | Dr. Pepper | $1.79 | $2.29 | $-0.50 |
McDonald's vs Wendy's — Which Should You Choose?
When comparing McDonald's and Wendy's menu prices, several factors come into play beyond just the per-item cost. Both restaurants share 1 food category (burger), making them direct alternatives for diners deciding where to eat.
McDonald's is the better value pick when looking at average menu item pricing. With McDonald's averaging $3.87 per item and Wendy's at $4.45, the price difference of $0.58 per item can add up over multiple orders — especially for families or groups.
We track 128 menu items at McDonald's and 177 items at Wendy's, with 10 items appearing on both menus under the same name. This overlap lets you directly compare identical items to see which restaurant charges less.
Looking at ratings, Tie leads with McDonald's scoring 2/5 versus Wendy's at 2/5. While price matters, the overall dining experience and food quality reflected in these ratings are equally important factors in choosing between these two restaurants.
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McDonald's vs Wendy's — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing these two restaurants on price, menu, and value
Is McDonald's or Wendy's cheaper?
Based on current menu data, McDonald's offers better average value. McDonald's averages $3.87 per item while Wendy's averages $4.45 per item. For the full ranked price list, see McDonald's cheapest items and Wendy's cheapest items.
Which restaurant has a bigger menu — McDonald's or Wendy's?
Wendy's has the larger menu with 177 items tracked compared to McDonald's's 128 items. Between them, there are 10 shared items with the same name, plus 118 items unique to McDonald's and 167 exclusive to Wendy's.
How many menu items do McDonald's and Wendy's share?
McDonald's and Wendy's have 10 overlapping menu items that appear on both menus under the same name. McDonald's has 118 exclusive items and Wendy's has 167 items not found at the other restaurant. The table above shows the biggest price gaps between identical items at each location.
Which has a better customer rating — McDonald's or Wendy's?
Both McDonald's and Wendy's are rated equally — 2/5 from customer reviews. The decision between the two comes down to price, menu variety, and personal preference rather than quality alone.
What type of food do McDonald's and Wendy's serve?
Both restaurants serve burger. They share 1 food category, which makes them genuine alternatives for the same dining cravings. If you're looking for the best value within these categories, compare average prices in the key takeaways section above.
Where can I find the cheapest items at McDonald's and Wendy's?
For budget-friendly meals, check our dedicated cheap eats guides: the McDonald's cheapest menu items guide lists every item ranked by price from lowest to highest (average $3.87). The Wendy's cheapest menu items guide does the same (average $4.45). Both are updated September 2026.
How much can I save by choosing McDonald's over Wendy's?
Choosing McDonald's saves you approximately $0.58 per menu item on average. For a typical meal of 3–4 items, that adds up to roughly $2.03 in savings — meaningful for budget-conscious families or regular diners. Across a month of weekly visits, the cost difference can reach $8 or more.