Switzerland consistently has the most expensive McDonald's, particularly the Big Mac, due to high labor costs and purchasing power, followed by countries like Norway, Argentina, and Uruguay, while prices in the U.S. are moderate compared to these nations. For example, a Big Mac in Switzerland costs significantly more than in the U.S., which itself has seen some extremely high-priced locations.
What country has the most expensive McDonald's? Switzerland has the world's most expensive Big Mac at $7.99 in U.S. currency. That's 40% more than it costs in the U.S., where the burger acreages $5.79. After Switzerland, the countries with the most expensive Big Macs are Argentina, Uruguay, Norway, and Costa Rica.
Porto, Portugal: The Royal Treatment
This fancy McDonald's in the Portuguese city of Porto has been nicknamed “McDonald's Imperial” for its location in the old Imperial Café. However, it's also fitting because the opulence of this fancy McDonald's set in a 1930s art deco café makes “imperial” a suitable description.
Many people believe it's an astounding $18 after a post on X of McDonald's menu prices at a rest stop in Connecticut went viral and made national headlines.
Nonethless, the staple Big Mac sandwich will set you back $3.47 in China (as of 2024, per an infographic distributed by The Economist), versus $5.89 in the United States.
There's no single "best" McDonald's country as it's subjective, but Japan, Switzerland, and Germany often rank high for unique items, quality ingredients (like grass-fed beef in Australia), and fancier locations, while many travelers enjoy unique local flavors like spicy chicken in Singapore or Macarons in France, though some find Italian or UK locations less impressive. What's best depends on if you prefer unique regional offerings or consistent classics, with Europe often cited for better-tasting drinks due to cane sugar vs. high-fructose corn syrup in the US.
The number 1 restaurant in the world for 2025, according to The World's 50 Best Restaurants, is Maido in Lima, Peru, celebrated for its innovative Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion). While Maido holds the top spot for 2025, the 2024 winner was Disfrutar in Barcelona, and rankings can vary slightly between different culinary guides.
In Sedona, Arizona, the iconic arches are blue instead of golden. This unusual change came about in 1998 when a local business owner wanted to open a McDonald's, but the bright yellow arches were deemed too distracting against Sedona's stunning desert and red rock scenery.
There isn't one single "rarest" McDonald's item, as rarity depends on region, limited-time offers, or discontinuation, but top contenders include unique international items like the McCurry Pan (India), Bulgogi Burger (South Korea), Panseri (Italy), and regional favorites like Japan's Shrimp Filet-O, alongside discontinued US items like the McRib, Mighty Wings, or unique McFlurry flavors.
Food prices - Country rankings
The average for 2021 based on 165 countries was 105.854 index points. The highest value was in South Korea: 208.84 index points and the lowest value was in India: 58.17 index points.
McDonald's most popular item globally is its French Fries, selling millions of pounds daily and often ordered with other favorites like the iconic Big Mac or Chicken McNuggets, though regional tastes vary with items like Hash Browns and McChickens also topping charts.
The Chicago-based burger chain announced the 50-cent double cheeseburger deal is available Wednesday, Sept. 18, in honor of the holiday. According to McDonald's the deal can only be accessed by using the McDonald's app, at participating locations.
Global Price of a Big Mac as of July 2023
Switzerland boasts the world's most expensive Big Mac, priced at 7.73 US dollars, showcasing the country's robust economy and strong currency. Concurrently the cost of a Big Mac was 5.58 dollars in the U.S., and 5.82 U.S. dollars in the Euro area.
There isn't an official "7-star" rating, but the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai is globally recognized and nicknamed the world's first "7-star hotel," offering ultra-luxurious dining experiences like French/Italian at Al Muntaha and seafood at Al Mahara, setting a standard for opulent hotels and their restaurants.
The number one bar in the world for 2025, according to The World's 50 Best Bars, is Bar Leone in Hong Kong, known for its commitment to hospitality and classic Italian-inspired cocktails, topping a list that recognizes global cocktail excellence. It's followed by Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City) at #2 and Sips (Barcelona) at #3, with the awards celebrating diverse cocktail culture worldwide.
The countries with the most saturated fat
1. Porto, Portugal. Porto's 1930s-built Imperial Café is now home to a McDonald's – but it retains many of its beautiful original features, including Art Deco–style stained glass windows, crystal chandeliers, grand mirrors and ornate ceilings.
Yes, McDonald's has many locations in Japan (around 3,000), first opening in Tokyo in 1971, and offers a localized menu with unique items like the Teriyaki Burger and Shaka Shaka Chicken, plus seasonal specials, making it a popular spot with distinct offerings from its U.S. counterparts.
This is the oldest operating McDonald's restaurant and is located at 10207 Lakewood Boulevard at Florence Avenue in Downey, California. It was the third McDonald's restaurant and opened on August 18, 1953. The restaurant is now the oldest in the chain still in existence and is one of Downey's main tourist attractions.