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The old Dollar Menu is long gone, but McDonald's still has plenty of ways to eat cheaply. You just have to know where to look: part of the savings is on the menu board, and a bigger part is hidden in the app.
This guide covers the cheapest items, how the McValue menu works, and the ordering habits that save the most money.
Disclaimer: This is an independent, unofficial guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by McDonald's. All trademarks belong to their owners. Prices, menu items, deals and hours may change and can vary by location. Please check the official McDonald's website or app for the latest information: www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us.html
The Cheapest Items at McDonald's
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Chocolate chip cookie | $0.79 – $1.19 |
| Apple slices | $0.99 – $1.49 |
| Any size soft drink (app/promo) | $1.00 – $1.79 |
| Hamburger | $1.59 – $2.69 |
| Baked apple pie | $1.49 – $2.19 |
| Vanilla cone | $1.69 – $2.49 |
| Cheeseburger | $1.79 – $2.99 |
| Sausage Burrito (breakfast) | $1.79 – $2.79 |
| McChicken | $1.99 – $3.29 |
| Sausage McMuffin (breakfast) | $1.99 – $2.99 |
| 4 pc Chicken McNuggets | $2.49 – $3.49 |
| McDouble | $2.49 – $3.79 |
What Is the McValue Menu?
McValue is McDonald's value platform in the US. The exact lineup changes, but it's built around three ideas:
- A low-price meal bundle. A basic meal (for example a McChicken or McDouble with 4 McNuggets, small fries and a small drink) at a set low price, often around $5 to $6.
- Buy One, Add One for $1. Buy a qualifying item at full price and add a second qualifying item for $1. Popular choices include the McChicken, McDouble, Sausage McMuffin with Egg and 6 pc McNuggets.
- App deals. Rotating offers in the Deals tab, such as free fries with a purchase, 20% off, or BOGO sandwiches.
Not every restaurant takes part in every offer, so check the app for your store.
Best Cheap Meals Under $7
| Meal | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| McChicken + McDouble (Buy One, Add One) | $3.50 – $5.00 |
| McDouble + small fries + $1 drink | $6.00 – $8.30 |
| 2 cheeseburgers + apple slices + $1 drink | $5.30 – $8.40 |
| 6 pc McNuggets + McChicken (Buy One, Add One) | $4.80 – $6.30 |
| 2 Sausage Burritos + small coffee (breakfast) | $5.30 – $7.90 |
App Deals Worth Watching
- Free medium fries on Fridays with a minimum purchase (a frequent promo).
- $1 or $2 off any order over a set amount.
- BOGO for $1 on Big Mac, Quarter Pounder or McCrispy.
- 20% off a mobile order.
- Free item after first app order for new users.
Offers rotate weekly, and some are limited to one use per account.
MyMcDonald's Rewards: How Points Work
You earn 100 points for every $1 spent through the app or by scanning your code at the counter. Points can be redeemed for free food:
| Points | Typical rewards |
|---|---|
| 1,500 | Hash browns, cookies, small coffee, any size soft drink |
| 3,000 | Cheeseburger, McChicken, medium fries, apple pie |
| 4,500 | McMuffin, 6 pc McNuggets, McFlurry |
| 6,000 | Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, 10 pc McNuggets |
Point levels can change, so check the Rewards tab in the app.
8 Money-Saving Tricks
- Always order through the app when there's a deal, even if you pick up at the counter.
- Skip the combo. A sandwich plus a $1 drink and small fries is often cheaper than a medium meal.
- Order a McDouble instead of a Double Cheeseburger. Nearly the same burger for less.
- Ask for no-salt fries. They're cooked fresh, so you get hot fries; add your own salt.
- Buy McNuggets in larger boxes when sharing.
- Use reward points on expensive items like a Big Mac for the most value per point.
- Avoid delivery apps if you're trying to save; menu prices there are often 15–30% higher.
- Try a different nearby location. Prices can differ by a dollar or more between stores in the same city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does McDonald's still have a Dollar Menu?
Not in its original form. It's been replaced by the McValue platform and app offers like "Buy One, Add One for $1."
What is the cheapest meal at McDonald's?
A McValue meal bundle or a Buy One, Add One for $1 pairing can feed one person for about $4 to $6.
What is the cheapest burger at McDonald's?
The hamburger, usually between $1.59 and $2.69.
Are McDonald's app deals the same everywhere?
No. Many deals are national, but franchisees can choose whether to take part, so your store may show different offers.
How do I get free McDonald's food?
Join MyMcDonald's Rewards, collect points on every order, and redeem them for free items. New app users often get a free item on their first order.
The Bottom Line
With the McValue menu and the app, you can still eat at McDonald's for under $6. The key is to skip the default combo, check the Deals tab every time, and let reward points pay for your next Big Mac.
Last updated: October 11, 2026. Deals and prices are typical US examples and may not be available at every restaurant.
