McDonald’s $1 $2 $3 Menu with Prices: Updated List

Looking for the McDonald’s $1 $2 $3 Menu with Prices so you can plan a low-cost order without surprises? This quick answer: the listed value tiers show typical single-item price points, but local menu prices may vary, so check the app before you order.

This US-focused roundup groups choices for easy scanning: breakfast value picks, budget burgers and sandwiches, fries/sides/snacks, and drinks. Each section lists typical price points, calories, and a brief allergen snapshot to help you decide fast.

Use this guide as a Sage-Guide helper: it shows how to build a satisfying meal under a tight budget using value tiers. Note that some of the best deals aren’t labeled on the board but price similarly at many locations.

Quick tips: drinks and fries often shift the total most, franchise ownership and local costs affect the final tag, and the app is your most reliable local price check. Scan the tables ahead to order confidently and aim to keep a full meal near your target total.

What the McDonald’s Dollar Menu Looks Like Today in the United States

The classic dollar offering evolved into tiered value choices that reflect rising costs and broader tastes. These value tiers aim to keep budget-friendly options available while adding variety across breakfast, burgers, sides, and drinks.

Why it changed: inflation and menu expansion pushed the chain from a single-dollar board to tiered price points. That preserves value while covering more item types.

• What value tiers mean: a mix of breakfast sandwiches, burgers, small sides, nuggets, and drinks grouped near each tier.
• Why prices may vary: franchise pricing, local rent and wages, and regional competition affect the final tag at different locations.
• What to do: always check the app or the in-app ordering screen so the price you see matches what you pay.
• Pro tip: app-only deals can beat posted value tier pricing, so compare a value item plus add-on versus a full combo deal.

Note: a standout deal in one city can be weaker elsewhere. This guide shows typical menu prices, not guarantees. Next, scan the quick-reference table of common menu items, calories, and allergens.

McDonald’s $1 $2 $3 Menu with Prices

This updated, scan-first roundup groups the most commonly discussed value-tier picks so you can build a budget order fast.

How to use this list: treat these as typical US price points drawn from published menu roundups. Local franchise pricing may differ, so confirm in the app or at the counter.

Breakfast value picks and typical price points

Sausage Biscuit — $2.43, 460 cal. Sausage McMuffin — $2.67, 400 cal. Sausage Burrito — $2.69, 310 cal. Hash Browns — $2.69, 140 cal.

Budget burgers and sandwiches worth considering

McDouble — $3.65, 400 cal. McChicken — $3.10, 400 cal. 4-piece nuggets often land around $2.89–$2.99.

Fries, sides, and small bites for add-ons

World Famous Fries small — $1.89, 230 cal; small fries listed elsewhere at ~$2.59 and medium at ~$3.49.

Drinks and teas: popular fountain choices and common sizes

Fountain sodas and Hi-C Orange Lavaburst are available in small/medium/large. Frozen medium drinks often run near $2 and can raise your total quickly.

Dietary note: kitchens handle multiple allergens; cross-contact is possible. Anyone with severe allergies should review official ingredient and allergen info before ordering.

• Build a combo: pair a value sandwich and a small side for a filling, low-cost meal. Add a small drink to keep costs down.
• Value shortcut: compare protein-heavy sandwiches to sides for most filling calories per dollar.

For deeper picks and meal strategies, continue to the sections that break down breakfast and dinner choices in detail.

Breakfast Deals Under $3: Sandwiches and Sides That Feel Like a Meal

Start with small orders that deliver big satisfaction. These breakfast sandwiches and sides are popular because they feel like a real meal without the combo price commitment.

Sausage Biscuit: typical price and calories

The sausage biscuit pairs warm savory pork with a flaky biscuit. Typical price ranges near $2.29–$2.43 and it runs about 460 calories. It’s filling thanks to the tender sausage and soft bread.

Sausage McMuffin: typical price and calories

A sausage mcmuffin uses an English muffin for a toasted texture. Typical price ranges near $2.19–$2.67 and it has about 400 calories. The muffin keeps the sandwich compact and easy to eat on the go.

Sausage Burrito & Hash Browns

The sausage burrito wraps scrambled egg and sausage in a soft tortilla. It’s often near $2.69 and about 310 calories. Hash browns make a classic side; prices vary, often around $2.29–$2.69, and they add 140 calories.

Sausage McGriddle: why it’s a fan‑favorite

The sausage mcgriddle pairs maple-flavored griddle cakes with savory sausage. Priced around $2.69 at many spots, its sweet-and-savory taste feels indulgent while staying near a $3 target.

• Side strategy: add a hash brown to turn one sandwich into a meal.
• Calorie tip: pair a sandwich with unsweetened iced tea to save calories.
• Allergens: biscuits, muffins, and tortillas contain wheat; cheese adds dairy. Not gluten-free or keto-friendly.
• Build an under‑$5 breakfast: pick one sandwich + one side, then check the app for morning deals.

Lunch and Dinner Value Menu Favorites: Burgers, Chicken, and Nuggets

When hunger strikes, protein-forward value items turn a small spend into a filling meal. These picks often feel more substantial than sides alone and keep your total low.

McDouble vs. Double Cheeseburger: what’s different and why it matters

The McDouble and the Double Cheeseburger both use two beef patties. The McDouble typically has one less slice of cheese, which lowers the price.

Example prices: McDouble around $3.65 or $3.39 depending on location; both run near 400 calories. Choose the McDouble if you want similar taste for less.

McChicken: why it’s a top value sandwich

The McChicken pairs a crispy chicken patty, shredded lettuce, and mayo on a soft bun. It often lands near $3.10 or $2.89 and feels hearty for the price.

Why pick it: simple toppings, crisp texture, and good filling power make it a frequent top value deal for lunch or dinner.

Chicken McNuggets: snack vs. mini-meal

4-piece nuggets at about $2.89 work as a quick snack. A 6-piece usually offers more protein and a better per-piece price when you want extra food.

Ask for sauces like Tangy BBQ or Sweet N Sour. Sauces add calories and allergens, so factor that into your order.

• Smart ordering tip: pick the McDouble for similar taste but lower price when cheese isn’t a must.
• Build suggestion: one main plus a small side often beats combo prices—compare in the app before you order.
• Dietary note: these items are not gluten-free or keto-friendly; buns and nuggets contain wheat and sauces can add dairy or egg.

Fries, Sides, and Snacks: The Best Low-Cost Add-Ons

Sides and snacks offer big taste at small cost, making them the easiest upgrade to any order.

World Famous Fries are salty, hot, and crispy—an instant texture boost. A small fries often lands near $1.89 and runs about 230 calories. In some places a small may be $2.59 and a medium about $3.49, so the price jump matters.

Choosing small vs. medium

Small is usually the best budget add-on. If the local price difference to medium is tiny, upsizing can be worth it for extra value and fewer refills.

Hash brown or fries?

Hash browns fit breakfast best. They pair naturally with sausage or egg items and often vary from about $2.29 to $2.69. Fries suit lunch and dinner and match burgers, chicken, and nuggets.

• Budget math: the side you pick may decide whether you can still afford a drink—always check in the app.
• Allergens: shared fryers can affect vegetarian or gluten-sensitive diners; check local ingredient notes.
• Snack stack idea: one main item + one small side makes a balanced bite—skip upsizing unless the price gap is minimal.

Value is local, so treat these as typical menu items and price ranges and always check the exact price at your location before finalizing a deal.

Affordable Drinks at McDonald’s: Fountain Sodas, Tea, and Hi-C Favorites

Drinks often sneak up on your total; choosing the right size saves money and calories.

Fountain sodas and calorie trade-offs

Classic choices: Coca‑Cola, Sprite, Fanta Orange, Dr Pepper and Diet Coke are go-with-anything picks. Typical price points: small $3.19, medium $3.59, large $4.19.

Calories scale fast. Diet Coke stays at zero, while other sodas rise by size.

Hi-C Orange Lavaburst

This orange lavaburst is a nostalgic, sweeter option many treat as a small indulgence. Prices mirror fountain tiers: small $3.19 (160 cal), medium $3.59 (230 cal), large $4.19 (310 cal).

Iced tea options

Unsweetened and sweet tea differ by calories and tone. Unsweetened runs lower: small $3.79 (70 cal), medium $4.69 (100 cal), large $4.99 (140 cal).

Sweet tea is dessert-like and higher in calories: small 120 cal, medium 170 cal, large 230 cal at similar price points.

Frozen drinks

Frozen options are often a seasonal value pick. Expect a medium near $2. They can be cheaper than upsizing a fountain drink during promos.

• Budget tip: compare drink price to a small side before upsizing.
• Deals: check the app—many locations run lower medium prices.
• Dietary note: most sodas and teas are gluten-free and vegan; verify flavored or frozen items for allergens.

Conclusion

A smart value order starts with one satisfying main and a quick price check before you pay. The dollar menu approach still offers bargains, but prices vary by locations and franchise, so the exact tag may vary.

Pick the meal you want first, then add a small side or drink only if it keeps your total in range. Compare a la carte price versus a combo—the best value often comes from simple math.

One useful deal swap from this guide: the McDouble vs. Double Cheeseburger difference can tip your choice if cost matters more than extra cheese.

Use the tables to screen allergens and confirm ingredients locally. Open the app, select your nearest restaurant, verify menu prices, and enjoy your value meal with confidence.