What is the price of a burger at restaurants?
The median price of a burger at Toast restaurants in July 2026 was $14.72.
In July 2026, burger prices rose 2.3% year-over-year compared to July 2025.
In July 2026, burger prices rose 0.1% month-over-month compared to June 2026.
Key takeaways
Month | Median Burger Price | Year-over-year percent change |
June 2025 | $14.39 | +3.0% |
July 2025 | $14.39 | +3.2% |
August 2025 | $14.47 | +3.4% |
September 2025 | $14.48 | +3.1% |
October 2025 | $14.53 | +3.2% |
November 2025 | $14.57 | +3.0% |
December 2025 | $14.61 | +2.9% |
January 2026 | $14.62 | +2.9% |
February 2026 | $14.64 | +2.7% |
March 2026 | $14.63 | +2.5% |
April 2026 | $14.65 | +2.4% |
May 2026 | $14.73 | +2.4% |
June 2026 | $14.71 | +2.2% |
July 2026 | $14.72 | +2.3% |
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Burgerflation
While the price of burgers on Toast restaurant menus has been increasing, it has not kept pace with the surge in beef prices in recent months. But the recent rise suggests that restaurants may be finally raising menu prices to offset some of the rising beef costs.
Ground beef is often made from less desirable cuts of meat, making it a cheaper alternative for those hoping to save a few bucks. But burgers are no longer just for fast-food restaurants. From brisket burgers to imported Kobe beef, award-winning burgers are served at Michelin-starred restaurants and fast-casual chains alike.
However, sourcing and processing meat can add significant costs for restaurants. While a significant portion of beef served at restaurants is raised in the U.S., prices can vary widely depending on how the animals were raised.
Cheese and bun prices can also affect burger prices. While there’s nothing more classic than two slices of American cheese on a burger, more complex cheeses that require time to age and develop can cost a premium.
Key factors in recent years
Beef prices have soared for various reasons, including a decreasing herd size while demand has stayed high, according to the Associated Press. Fears of even further reductions in herd size have surfaced amid the spread of the parasitic, often fatal screwworm into Texas. It remains to be seen how far the outbreak will spread, but the previously contained parasite caused disruptions where it has already spread in Mexico. Any effect, however, likely hasn’t yet made its way to restaurants.
Supply chain issues from the COVID-19 pandemic, however, labor shortages, production costs at meatpacking plants, export demands, and droughts have collectively pushed meat prices higher in recent years.
Sourcing vegetables has faced similar challenges in recent years. Seasonal and migrant farm workers are in short supply. At the same time, climate issues and drought in Western states like California, which produces a large percentage of vegetables in the U.S., have increased costs and limited production, driving up prices. So popular add-ons like lettuce, tomato, and onion could help prices tick upward.
The prices of a burger can vary greatly from restaurant to restaurant, depending on how many upgrades the chef has made to this American staple. A single smashburger patty, for instance, is likely going to cost far less than a tavern-style burger topped with caramelized onions.
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About the Toast Menu Price Monitor
The Menu Price Monitor, powered by Toast, uncovers key menu pricing trends across the restaurant industry through aggregated sales data from restaurants on the Toast platform, which has approximately 180,000 locations as of June 30, 2026. This information is provided for general informational purposes only, and publication does not constitute an endorsement. Toast does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links, or other items contained within this content. Individual results may vary. Toast does not guarantee you will achieve any specific results if you follow any advice herein. It may be advisable for you to consult with a professional such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor for advice specific to your situation. The Toast Menu Item Price Tracker does not indicate Toast's operational performance or its reported financial metrics.