Fast food typically lives up to its affordable reputation—except for, ya know, when it doesn't (looking @ you, Five Guys!) More often than not, though, you can score an entire meal for under $10. If you know your way around a dollar menu, you might even be able to get that total closer to $5. Yep, for a burger, fries, and a bevvy—even amid shrinkflation and price surges.

Now, of course, the most expensive variable in that equation is the entrée. So, if you're looking to spend less while eating well, where should you go? We scoured the menus of more than 15 chains to compare cheeseburger prices. Ultimately, we narrowed down the list to the 6 cheapest spots—including McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's.

Since menu prices vary from city to city—yes, even for national chains—we analyzed menus in Atlanta, Georgia, to ensure consistency with what Americans (outside of pricey metropolitan areas) typically pay. Here they are, from least cheap to cheapest:

7. Whataburger's Whataburger

Here's where we saw a realllll jump in prices. Whataburger's classic-style burger rang up as $6.58 (when we added cheese to keep it consistent with the rest of our picks). While it's still cheaper than our most expensive picks, it's definitely not the best bang for your buck. Especially considering that it's a pretty bare-bones burger. The 100% beef patty is stacked with mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and diced onions. Nothing you can't get somewhere else for cheaper...

6. Dairy Queen's Original Cheeseburger

DQ's original cheeseburger still squeezes in under $5—even if it's by just one cent. The 100% seasoned real beef patty is layered with melted Sharp American cheese, pickles, ketchup, and mustard on a toasted bun.

5. Hardee's Big Cheeseburger

Looking for a big cheeseburger without a big price? Hardee's is your ticket. The chain's classic cheeseburger actually features an entire quarter-pound Black Angus beef patty (along with American cheese, dill pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard, of course) for just $3.99.

4. Sonic Jr.'s Double Cheeseburger

Sonic doesn’t even have the option for a single cheeseburger. But, frankly, it’s NBD, considering the fact that its double patty is still just $3.19. In fact, it makes it much more cost effective. You’ll still get all the fixings, too—a cheese slice, ketchup, mustard, and pickles.

3. McDonald's Cheeseburger

TBH, we're shocked! Mcdonald's cheeseburger is firmly in third place with a $2.49 price tag. Under three bucks for a burger? Can't beat it, even if it's a few more cents than Wendy's and Burger King. Micky D's signature style has tangy pickles, chopped onions, ketchup, mustard, and a slice of melty American cheese.

2. Wendy's Jr. Cheeseburger

Second place?? Who knew!?! Wendy's is the sleeper of the list. The Jr. Cheeseburger, which comes piled with American cheese, mustard, ketchup, crinkle-cut pickles, and sweet onions on a Jr. hamburger patty, rings up as $2.39—just 10 cents behind BK. Impressive!

#1 Burger King's Cheeseburger

Believe it or not, folks, Burger King beat out McDonald's for the cheapest fast food cheeseburger. The chain's run-of-the-mill stack—which includes a flame-grilled patty topped with melted American cheese, crunchy pickles, yellow mustard, and ketchup on a toasted sesame seed bun—is just $2.29. Score!