Want a cheap burger? Don't go to California
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California is home to the most expensive cheeseburger meals in the continental U.S., per new DoorDash data shared exclusively with Axios.
Why it matters: Looking at the price of a single expense — in this case, a cheeseburger with fries and a soda — across cities is a simple way of comparing the cost of living.
By the numbers: Outside Alaska, California has the six major U.S cities with the most expensive cheeseburger meals, per DoorDash.
- That combo will run you an average of $25.20 in Chula Vista, $22.94 in Anaheim, $22.01 in Santa Ana, $21.60 in Long Beach, $21.58 in Riverside, and $21.53 in Fremont.
- If you're looking for a cheaper cheeseburger, place your order in Lincoln, Nebraska ($10.75), Milwaukee ($11.36), or Detroit ($12.90).
How it works: The data is part of DoorDash's new State of Local Commerce report, which features a bevy of metrics on restaurant trends and more across the 100 most populous U.S. cities.
- The numbers reflect average DoorDash menu prices at restaurants using the platform. Delivery fees, tips, etc., aren't included.
Context: Areas with higher costs of living also tend to have at least some higher-salary jobs. But not everyone in California has a six-figure tech gig, of course.
- Alaska and Hawai'i, meanwhile, often have higher prices because of shipping costs.
What they're saying: Cheeseburger meal prices are just one metric among many in the report that can help tell each city's story when considered holistically, DoorDash chief analytics officer Jessica Lachs tells Axios.
- "These are all individual data points which together create a comprehensive picture," Lachs says.
The bottom line: If we're meeting for a bite in California, lunch is on you.
