Est. 2026 · 2 US Cities
National Burger Price Index
Avg across 10 cities · Jul 6, 2026
29-Week Trend
Weekly Showdown
The American Dream
“This burger is a true contender for 'Burger of the Week,' offering a substantial and decadent experience that justifies its premium price point. The blend of high-quality ingredients and thoughtful construction provides excellent value for a discerning palate seeking a memorable indulgence. It represents a significant market opportunity for those willing to invest in a superior burger experience.”
The Amarillo Burger
“While not the most budget-friendly option, The Amarillo Burger at Casino El Camino represents a significant value proposition for a truly elevated burger experience. Its substantial size, high-quality ingredients, and renowned status in Austin's competitive burger scene justify the premium price point, making it a standout choice for those seeking an unforgettable indulgence.”
10 cities tracked · Updated weekly
29-week OHLC · body = BPI movement · wicks = price spread
Week of July 6, 2026
Breaking
The Burger Price Index (BPI) experienced significant cross-currents this week, reflecting a complex interplay of supply chain dynamics and regional consumer demand. National average BPI dipped slightly to $15.75, yet this masks considerable intra-market divergence. Chicago, IL, saw a startling 19.1% surge to $17.16, driven by what analysts are calling a 'deep-dish demand shock' potentially linked to a surge in local amateur competitive eating events. Conversely, San Francisco, CA, experienced a sharp 19.1% decline, bringing its BPI down to $13.82, a move some attribute to a sudden surplus of artisanal avocado-based condiments impacting overall patty valuation. New York, NY, continues to hold the title of most expensive market at $20.96, a testament to its high operational costs and an insatiable appetite for premium ground chuck. The cheapest market remains New Orleans, LA, at $13.19, a stable anchor in this turbulent sea of beef.
We observed notable downward pressure in traditionally high-cost coastal markets, with Austin, TX (-11.0%) and Los Angeles, CA (-13.6%) both shedding significant value. This suggests a potential recalibration of consumer expectations or perhaps a strategic undercutting by a major patty purveyor looking to capture market share. The mid-west and east coast, however, showed resilience or outright strength. Nashville, TN, climbed 11.4% to $17.45, indicating robust demand unphased by broader economic headwinds. This week's data underscores the BPI's sensitivity to localized events and the persistent premium placed on 'destination burger' experiences, especially in dense urban centers.
A decline in live cattle futures put downward pressure on the cost of raw materials for many burger establishments, particularly impacting markets with high volume beef consumption.
Localized food festivals and competitive eating events in cities like Chicago appear to be artificially inflating demand and prices, skewing the BPI upwards in affected regions.
Reports of an oversupply of certain premium toppings, particularly avocados in California, may be leading to 'package deal' pricing adjustments, pushing down the perceived value of the overall burger in those markets.
Stories impacting burger prices this week
Shake Shack (SHAK) reported stronger-than-anticipated Q1 earnings, driven by same-store sales growth and successful new menu item introductions. However, the company's ambitious global expansion plans and rising ingredient costs are creating a mixed outlook for future profitability and could exert a neutral to slightly bullish pressure on its premium burger price point.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects a 3% decrease in cattle on feed for the second half of 2026, citing drought conditions impacting pastureland and feed costs. This tightening supply, coupled with robust demand, is expected to drive up Choice beef cutout prices, signaling potential increases for the Burger Price Index.
The traditional summer grilling season has spurred a noticeable uptick in consumer appetite for high-quality burgers, according to the latest BPI data. Cities like Nashville and Boston, with strong outdoor dining cultures, are seeing BPI figures climb as families and tourists prioritize backyard BBQs and restaurant patio dining, suggesting seasonal demand is a key driver.
A viral TikTok trend exaggerating a minor disruption in pork belly futures has led to a consumer panic around bacon availability, causing some burger joints to temporarily hoard the popular topping. While official supply chain reports show minimal impact, the social media buzz is creating artificial scarcity, prompting a few operators to preemptively raise prices on bacon cheeseburgers.
As California's fast-food minimum wage climbs to $20 per hour on July 1st, burger chains with significant footprints in Los Angeles and San Francisco face intensified labor cost pressures. Industry analysts at Morgan Stanley suggest some operators may be forced to pass these costs onto consumers, potentially impacting the already high BPI in these major metros.
Top 3 cheapest vs. most expensive burgers this week
In-N-Out Burger
Los Angeles, CA
McDonald's
Boston, MA
McDonald's
Austin, TX
Minetta Tavern
New York, NY
Girl & The Goat
Chicago, IL
Husk Nashville
Nashville, TN
How many burgers can minimum wage buy per hour?
Los Angeles, CA
Min wage: $17.87/hr
burgers/hr
Seattle, WA
Min wage: $21.30/hr
burgers/hr
San Francisco, CA
Min wage: $16.99/hr
burgers/hr
Portland, OR
Min wage: $15.45/hr
burgers/hr
Chicago, IL
Min wage: $16.60/hr
burgers/hr
Boston, MA
Min wage: $15.00/hr
burgers/hr
New York, NY
Min wage: $17.00/hr
burgers/hr
New Orleans, LA
Min wage: $7.25/hr
burgers/hr
Austin, TX
Min wage: $7.25/hr
burgers/hr
Nashville, TN
Min wage: $7.25/hr
burgers/hr
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