Est. 2026 · 2 US Cities
National Burger Price Index
Avg across 10 cities · Mar 23, 2026
14-Week Trend
Weekly Showdown
Black Label Burger
“While the price point is undeniably premium, the Black Label Burger from Minetta Tavern represents a significant investment in a truly exceptional culinary experience. This burger is a testament to quality ingredients and expert preparation, commanding its price through unparalleled flavor and texture, making it the undisputed 'Burger of the Week' for those seeking the pinnacle of burger artistry.”
Monteleone Burger
“The Monteleone Burger at Port of Call is a true contender for 'Burger of the Week.' While priced at a premium, the sheer decadence of its double patties, generous cheese, and signature garlic butter sauce offers a robust flavor profile that justifies the investment. This burger represents a significant value proposition for those seeking an indulgent, iconic New Orleans burger experience, outperforming many competitors in terms of sheer satisfaction per dollar.”
10 cities tracked · Updated weekly
14-week OHLC · body = BPI movement · wicks = price spread
Week of March 23, 2026
Breaking
The Burger Price Index (BPI) experienced significant cross-market volatility this week, with the national average settling at a robust $15.48. Austin, TX, has emerged as a surprising inflationary hotspot, with its BPI surging an astonishing 37.7% to $16.74, driven by what analysts are calling an 'artisanal bun shortage' and an unseasonably high demand for truffle aioli. This dramatic ascent positions Austin as a key indicator of emerging regional price pressures.
Conversely, established burger titans like New York (BPI: $18.47) saw a notable contraction, down 9.9%. This pullback is attributed to a confluence of factors including a slight easing in premium beef futures and a potential oversupply of avocado toast-inspired toppings. Los Angeles and San Francisco, while still commanding premium prices, also saw modest gains, suggesting a stabilization in West Coast burger economics. Portland, OR, continues its reign as the value capital, holding the lowest BPI at $13.36, a testament to its enduring commitment to affordable, quality patties.
The divergence in performance across major metropolitan areas underscores the nuanced nature of the burger market. While national inflation continues to exert upward pressure on costs, localized supply chain disruptions, unique regional taste preferences, and the ever-present 'burger FOMO' phenomenon are creating significant regional price discrepancies. Investors are advised to monitor Austin closely as a potential bellwether for future burger market irrational exuberance.
Slight easing in the cost of high-grade ground chuck is putting downward pressure on burger costs in some high-volume markets.
Reported shortages of specialty buns and exotic condiments in markets like Austin are driving up input costs and overall BPI.
Fluctuations in consumer preference and local events are creating divergent demand patterns, impacting BPI in cities like New York and Portland differently.
Stories impacting burger prices this week
Restaurant Brands International, parent company of Burger King, reported mixed earnings, with domestic same-store sales showing modest growth but lagging behind competitors. The company's ongoing 'Reclaim the Flame' initiative aims to revitalize the brand, but investors remain cautious about the pace of recovery and its impact on burger market share.
A Silicon Valley startup claims its new AI algorithm can predict the optimal beef blend and cooking temperature for a 'universally perfect' burger, causing a stir among artisanal burger joints and fast-food innovators alike. While some hail it as a culinary revolution, others question whether data can truly replicate the art of the grill, potentially leading to standardization or a backlash favoring unique, handcrafted patties.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures climbed this week, driven by persistent drought conditions in key cattle-raising regions of the Southwest and robust export demand. Analysts cite a tightening supply of prime fed cattle as processors face logistical hurdles, potentially pushing ground beef costs higher for burger chains.
With warmer weather arriving in many major cities, consumer spending on casual dining, particularly burgers, is showing a seasonal uptick. Chains from Shake Shack to local diners are reporting increased foot traffic, as consumers emerge from winter hibernation eager for outdoor patio seating and classic comfort food. This surge in demand typically supports stable to higher burger prices.
As a new minimum wage of $20 per hour takes effect for fast-food workers in California on April 1st, major burger franchises like McDonald's and In-N-Out Burger are bracing for increased labor costs. Industry experts warn that these hikes, coupled with existing inflation, may force price adjustments on menu staples, including the ubiquitous burger.
Top 3 cheapest vs. most expensive burgers this week
In-N-Out Burger
Los Angeles, CA
Burger King
Portland, OR
McDonald's
Austin, TX
Minetta Tavern
New York, NY
Jeffrey's
Austin, TX
Hinoki & The Bird
Los Angeles, CA
How many burgers can minimum wage buy per hour?
Seattle, WA
Min wage: $21.30/hr
burgers/hr
Portland, OR
Min wage: $15.45/hr
burgers/hr
Chicago, IL
Min wage: $16.60/hr
burgers/hr
Los Angeles, CA
Min wage: $17.87/hr
burgers/hr
San Francisco, CA
Min wage: $16.99/hr
burgers/hr
Boston, MA
Min wage: $15.00/hr
burgers/hr
New York, NY
Min wage: $17.00/hr
burgers/hr
Nashville, TN
Min wage: $7.25/hr
burgers/hr
New Orleans, LA
Min wage: $7.25/hr
burgers/hr
Austin, TX
Min wage: $7.25/hr
burgers/hr
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