Illinois Food Delivery Costs Compared: One App Comes Out Cheapest

Food delivery apps have become a go-to convenience for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and those “we’re not cooking” moments. But as most Illinois residents have noticed, the final total at checkout often feels… higher than expected. A new study suggests that might depend on which app you’re using, and in Illinois, the difference matters.

A new analysis from online lender NetCredit compared prices across the three biggest food delivery platforms — DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub — to determine which app is the most affordable in every state. The results show there’s no one-size-fits-all winner nationwide. But in Illinois, one app consistently comes out ahead.

How the Study Compared Food Delivery Prices

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NetCredit analyzed identical orders from major national chains, including:

• McDonald’s
• Taco Bell
• Pizza Hut
• Subway
• KFC
• Burger King
• Popeyes

Prices were checked in the 100 largest U.S. cities and the five largest cities in each state, then totaled to determine which service was cheapest by location.

Why Food Delivery Prices Vary by State

While the menus may look the same, pricing can change based on regional fees, partnerships, promotions, and how each app structures its service costs. That’s why the cheapest option in one state isn’t necessarily the best deal in another.

Illinois’ Cheapest Food Delivery App (According to the Data)

For Illinois users, the study found that DoorDash is the most affordable food delivery app overall. Across the standardized orders analyzed, DoorDash consistently rang up lower totals than both Uber Eats and Grubhub in the state.

READ MORE: These Illinois Grocery Stores Offer the Worst Value for Your Money

How Wisconsin Compares

Just north of the border, Wisconsin tells a different story. According to the same analysis, UberEats edges out the competition as the cheapest option for Wisconsin customers… a reminder that crossing state lines can change more than just the license plates.

What This Means Before Your Next Order

The takeaway is simple: food delivery pricing isn’t universal. Illinois residents looking to save a few dollars may want to check DoorDash first before placing their next order. At the end of this article, a full map breaks down the cheapest food delivery app in every state, making it easy to see how Illinois stacks up nationwide.

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READ MORE: These Illinois Grocery Stores Offer the Worst Value for Your Money