Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Fast Food Prices Out of Reach for Low-Income Americans
Fast food used to be cheap and accessible, but now many lower-income people can't afford it because prices have gone up a lot.
This is happening while the cost of living is also high, and the gap between rich and poor is getting bigger.
Some people blame the Biden administration, but others say the Trump administration's policies also played a role.
This is making it hard for people to afford food, and it's a big problem that needs to be addressed.
Fast food prices have increased significantly in recent years
Lower-income Americans are struggling to afford fast food due to high prices and cost of living
McDonald's and other chains are seeing fewer lower-income customers
Economic strain is disproportionately affecting lower-income individuals, particularly those aged 25 to 30
Affordability remains a major policy issue for Americans
- Who
- Lower-income Americans
- What
- Are struggling to afford fast food
- When
- In recent years, particularly since 2019
- Where
- Across the United States
- Why
- Due to higher prices and the cost of living
Blame the Biden Administration
Blame the Trump Administration's Policies
Causes of affordability crisis
Blame the Biden Administration
The Biden administration started the affordability crisis
Blame the Trump Administration's Policies
The Trump administration's policies, such as tariffs, also played a significant role
- Average price increase at McDonald’s
- Approximately 40% between 2019 and 2024
- Percentage of income spent on goods by lower-income Americans
- More than higher-income individuals
- Economic shape of the U.S.
- More K-shaped, with high-earners doing better and others falling behind