18 Fast Food Prices From The ’70s That’ll Blow Your Mind
Oh, the ’70s! A dazzling decade of disco balls, feathered hair, and fast food deals that now seem downright mythical.
It was a time when a dollar wasn’t just paper—it was power. You could walk into your favorite burger joint with some spare change and walk out with a full meal, dessert, and maybe even a milkshake to share. Wild, right?
Whether you were cruising in a wood-paneled station wagon or lining up at the drive-thru in your best polyester, fast food was a treat—and the prices? Utterly groovy. We’re talking burgers for under 30 cents, fries for a quarter, and the kind of combo meal that wouldn’t dare cross the one-dollar mark.
So dust off your time-traveling bell-bottoms and slide into your platform shoes—it’s time to hop into our culinary DeLorean and relive 18 fast food prices from the ’70s that’ll have you doing the hustle out of pure joy (and disbelief).
1. McDonald’s Hamburger
Let’s start with McDonald’s Hamburger, which was a mere $0.28! Yes, not even thirty cents for a classic burger. You could get a whole meal for less than a buck.
This was when your pocket change could actually buy you a decent meal. Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything on the menu at this price! It’s like finding a unicorn in a haystack. Fast food in the ’70s wasn’t just a meal, it was a value-packed experience.
Imagine the whole family enjoying a meal for a song. Those were the days when the only thing bigger than the savings was the flavor! Now, you’d need a time machine and a little patience to savor such a bargain.
2. French Fries (Small)
Next up, those irresistible French Fries at just $0.26. Hot, salty, golden perfection—cheaper than a pack of gum today. Can you believe it? Back then, you could munch on these crispy delights without burning a hole in your pocket.
They were the perfect sidekick to any fast-food meal. Today, finding fries at this price is about as likely as spotting Bigfoot. But in the ’70s, it was a common treat. A small bag of fries was a taste of joy and simplicity.
You could satisfy your cravings and still have enough change for a soda. In those days, the only thing more satisfying than the fries was the price itself.
3. Big Mac
Ah, the iconic Big Mac, priced at an unbelievable $0.65. Two all-beef patties, special sauce, and still under a dollar. Unreal. This burger was the epitome of fast-food luxury without the luxurious price tag.
It was like getting a taste of burger heaven for less than a soda today. For many, the Big Mac was a rite of passage into the world of fast food in the ’70s.
It brought smiles and full bellies, and a feeling that you were indulging without splurging. Today, you’d pay quadruple that for the same experience. Back then, it was a deliciously affordable treat that made every bite a celebration of value.
4. Quarter Pounder with Cheese
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese was a heavyweight sandwich at a lightweight price of just $0.70. This hearty burger was packed with flavor and satisfaction, making it a favorite choice for those with a bigger appetite. In the ’70s, it was the ultimate indulgence without the hefty price tag.
You could enjoy a substantial meal without feeling like you were breaking the bank. The Quarter Pounder was more than just a burger; it was a statement of value and taste.
Today, you’d need a small fortune to enjoy the same experience. Back then, it was the kind of deal that made you smile with every bite, knowing you were getting the best bang for your buck.
5. Coca-Cola (Medium)
Quenching your thirst in the ’70s with a Coca-Cola (Medium) was a refreshing bargain at just $0.30. Ice-cold, fizzy, and cheaper than today’s bottled water. It was the classic accompaniment to any fast-food meal, a timeless delight that offered more than just refreshment.
Back then, you could sip on this iconic beverage without worrying about the cost. Today, the price would probably make you spit out your drink.
The ’70s were a time when enjoying a cold Coke was as simple as dropping a couple of coins. It was part of the fast-food experience that made dining out so enjoyable and affordable, leaving you with a smile as fizzy as the drink itself.
6. Kentucky Fried Chicken (3-Piece Box)
Colonel Sanders was generous with his Kentucky Fried Chicken 3-Piece Box priced at just $1.10. Chicken, a side, and a biscuit for just over a dollar. It was a meal fit for a king without the royal expense. This was the era when finger-lickin’ good was more than a slogan; it was an affordable reality.
Families could treat themselves without feeling the pinch in their wallets. Today, such a price feels like a fairy tale.
The delicious aroma and crispy texture of KFC made every meal memorable. Back then, the Colonel’s secret recipe was available at a price that felt like a secret in itself. A meal so filling and delicious, it was almost too good to be true.
7. Whopper
The Whopper was Burger King’s signature item at just $0.55. Flame-grilled value that was hard to resist. It was more than just a burger; it was a culinary icon that packed a punch without packing on the cost.
The Whopper was a feast of flavors for just over half a dollar, making it a beloved choice for many. In the ’70s, it was a symbol of burger excellence at an unbeatable price.
Today, the cost would make your wallet whimper. But back then, it was the kind of deal that made you feel like a king yourself. Every bite was a testament to the art of grilling and the joy of affordability.
8. Taco Bell Taco
At Taco Bell, a taco could be yours for just $0.19. Nineteen. Cents. Taco night was basically every night when the price was this low. It was the quintessential grab-and-go meal that offered flavor, fun, and frugality.
In the ’70s, enjoying a taco didn’t require careful budgeting; it was a no-brainer. Today, you’d need a time machine to experience such a deal.
Every bite was a fiesta of taste and value, making it a staple for anyone craving Mexican flavors on a dime. The taco was small in size but mighty in satisfaction, proving that good things do come in small, affordable packages.
9. Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizza
Pizza Hut’s Personal Pan Pizza was a delightful deal at just $0.99. A whole little pizza for under a buck. No sharing required. It was the perfect treat for pizza lovers who wanted their own slice of heaven without splurging.
In the ’70s, this was the ultimate solo meal that felt like an indulgence without the guilt. Today, you’d be lucky to get a slice for that price. Back then, it was about savoring the joy of pizza without the financial pinch.
Each bite was a cheesy, saucy reminder that some of the best things in life are not just enjoyable but also affordable. It was a personal pleasure that was easy on the wallet.
10. Dairy Queen Sundae
The Dairy Queen Sundae was a sweet escape for just $0.39. Hot fudge, caramel, or strawberry—sugar rush on a budget.
This dessert was the cherry on top of any meal, offering indulgence without the hefty price. In the ’70s, a sundae was more than a treat; it was an affordable luxury. Today, you’d need a bigger budget to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Back then, it was about enjoying the simple pleasures without spending a fortune. Each spoonful was a reminder that sometimes, happiness is just a sundae away. It was the kind of dessert that made you smile, knowing you were treating yourself without the guilt.
11. A&W Root Beer Float
Old-school refreshment came in the form of an A&W Root Beer Float for just $0.49. Creamy vanilla ice cream teamed up with bubbly root beer for under fifty cents. It was the classic duo that turned any day into a special occasion.
In the ’70s, this was the drink-dessert combo that delighted both young and old. Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find such a deal.
Back then, it was about celebrating the simple joys of life with a float that was more than just a drink. It was a sweet symphony of flavors in every sip, offering a taste of nostalgia and a moment of pure refreshment.
12. Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich was a savory sensation at just $0.69. Slow-roasted, thin-sliced beef for less than a bus fare today. It was a sandwich that delivered flavor and satisfaction without the expense.
In the ’70s, it was the go-to meal for roast beef lovers who wanted quality without breaking the bank. Today, you’d pay a premium for such a treat. Back then, it was all about enjoying a hearty sandwich that was both delicious and affordable.
Every bite was a tribute to the art of roasting and the joy of savoring a meal that was as kind to your taste buds as it was to your wallet.
13. Wendy’s Single
Wendy’s Single was a fresh, square, and flavorful burger for just $0.55. It was a unique take on the classic burger, offering a taste of quality without the high price. In the ’70s, this burger was a game-changer, bringing a new shape to the burger world.
Today, you’d need a bit more cash to enjoy such an innovative meal. Back then, it was all about enjoying fresh ingredients without the financial burden.
Every bite was a celebration of taste and creativity, proving that sometimes, thinking outside the box—or in this case, the bun—leads to delicious rewards. It was a burger that was as satisfying as it was affordable.
14. Egg McMuffin
The Egg McMuffin made its debut in 1972, and it was an instant (affordable) hit at $0.63. This breakfast delight was McDonald’s entry into the morning meal market, offering a taste of morning magic that didn’t break the bank.
Today, such a price feels like a breakfast dream. In the ’70s, it was the kind of meal that started your day off right without the financial stress. The Egg McMuffin was more than just a breakfast item; it was a symbol of innovation and value.
Every bite was a reminder that mornings could be both delicious and affordable, making it a staple for anyone on the go.
15. Burger King Milkshake
Burger King’s Milkshake was thick, creamy, and a delightful treat for just $0.40. This sweet indulgence was cheaper than your average vending machine snack today. In the ’70s, a milkshake was more than just a drink; it was a dessert in a cup that offered pure satisfaction.
Today, the price would make you shake your head in disbelief. Back then, it was about enjoying a rich, creamy treat without the financial guilt.
Each sip was a journey into a world of flavor and nostalgia, proving that sometimes, the best things in life are served with a straw. It was a shake that shook up the idea of affordable indulgence, leaving a sweet taste on both the palate and the wallet.
16. White Castle Slider
White Castle’s Slider was the tiny burger with a tiny price of just $0.15. A true American snack legend that offered big flavors in a small package. In the ’70s, this was the go-to snack for anyone craving a quick bite that didn’t cost a fortune.
Today, you’d need to spend a lot more to enjoy the same experience. Back then, it was about savoring the simplicity and satisfaction of a slider that was as easy on the wallet as it was on the taste buds.
Each bite was a nostalgic nod to a time when enjoying a burger didn’t require careful budgeting. It was the kind of snack that proved good things really do come in small, affordable packages.
17. McDonald’s Apple Pie
McDonald’s Apple Pie was a hot, crispy, and wallet-friendly treat at just $0.26. The perfect sweet ending to any meal, this dessert offered a taste of comfort without the financial burden.
In the ’70s, grabbing an apple pie was a no-brainer, as it was a delightful treat that didn’t dent your budget. Today, such a price feels like a sweet fantasy.
Back then, it was about enjoying a slice of pie that was both delicious and affordable. Each bite was a reminder that sometimes, happiness is best served warm and flaky. It was the kind of dessert that made you smile, knowing you were indulging without the guilt.
18. Drive-Thru Meal for Two
A Drive-Thru Meal for Two could be had for under $3. A couple could cruise through and eat well for less than the price of a single modern combo meal. In the ’70s, dining out didn’t mean emptying your wallet; it was an affordable escape.
Today, you’d be lucky to feed one person at that price. Back then, it was about sharing a meal and a moment without the financial worry.
It was a time when the car was the dining room, and the open road the backdrop to a meal that brought people together. Every trip to the drive-thru was a reminder that great meals and great memories could be made without breaking the bank.