You might have heard reference previously to benchmarking the price of a Big Mac as some sort of world measure of relative purchasing power.

It makes sense as an indicator, given that is operating in over 100 countries, and with local variations for certain, but still their faithful staple menu items as well.

In a study undertaken by SavingSpot, they used data from McDonald’s own websites, as well as data from delivery apps to create a global picture of pricing of not just the Big Mac, but several menu items at the chain. All prices were converted to US dollars.

Check out McDonald's ranking in the list of the Biggest Fast Food Franchises in the Australian market

How Australia ranks

Australia ranks around 20th in the world as far as the most expensive Big Mac is concerned.

The USA comes in at 19th with costing $5.35, with Australia slightly cheaper at $5.28. With the relative cheapest globally being in Pakistan at $1.91.

Meanwhile for comparison purposes, the highest priced Big Mac is seen in Switzerland and Liechtenstein collectively at $7.75.

Even in the US, the range of Big Mac pricing moves from $3.91 to $5.31 in Mississippi and Hawaii respectively. 

Imagery Courtesy CashNetUSA

The most expensive menu item globally

The European countries dominate the higher end of pricing in the chain.

Indeed, the most expensive item on the menu globally is the Triple Cheddar & Double Beef burger in France at $15.70.

This is followed by Switzerland and Liechtenstein appearing again with their Big Tasty Double Bacon burgers priced at $13.31.

The Happy Meal

While the US has Happy meal pricing ranging from $2.73 (Mississippi) to $3.71 (Hawaii), globally the range is dramatically wider.

A Happy Meal in Pakistan will set you back $1.54, while again, Liechtenstein and Switzerland top out this part of the list again with it priced at $8.17.

By contrast, in Australia the Happy Meal sees pricing at $4.65.

Other Menu Items of note

There are handful of other items that also stood out as interesting in the analysis.

• South Korea even has a Pepperoni Mega Pizza Burger priced at $7.41.
• Qatar has the Double Up Big Tasty Mushroom burger pierced at $6.87.
• Israel has the Big Premium New York burger at $11.80.
• Uruguay has the Club House 3 Carnes (beef patties) $10.27.

It is actually a bit of fun taking a closer look at all the varieties of menu items rolled out across the globe to fit local tastes.

Depending on what you do and what your interests are, will determine how much value this information is to you!

But, we think it is a worthwhile exercise to give a good idea and clear representation of a global economy with an expanding international brand on a macro scale. 

But importantly, the micro aspects of local market adaptations required to business models in order to have impact and presence at this type of scale.

See the report in full HERE