Honestly, it’s getting ridiculous. I remember when you could grab a full meal for five or six bucks, but now you’re looking at $10 to $12 for a basic combo unless you're constantly refreshing the app for deals.
At those prices, it’s not even "fast food" value anymore. I’ve actually found myself going to local diners or fast-casual spots instead, often the price is nearly the same, but the quality is way better. If you have to budget for McDonald's like it's a sit-down restaurant, something is definitely broken.