The Economist's Big Mac Index is a crude but interesting way to approximate purchasing power parity (PPP).
Can you name the 10 most expensive, and the 10 cheapest Big Macs Globally?
Hint: Only countries with McDonald's are included in the index (duh)
Created by The Economist in 1986, the Big Mac Index began as a tongue-in-cheek way to measure purchasing power parity (PPP) — comparing how much a Big Mac costs in different countries. Over time, it’s evolved into a surprisingly useful snapshot of global currencies and economic conditions, offering an accessible look at how far your money goes around the world.
As of 2025, the average Big Mac in the United States costs $5.79, though prices vary by region. Out of the 78 countries tracked in the index, only five have higher Big Mac prices than the U.S.: Switzerland, Argentina, Uruguay, Norway, and Costa Rica. Switzerland tops the list with a whopping $7.99 Big Mac — about 38% more expensive than in the U.S. — thanks to factors like high labor costs and a strong currency.
Created by The Economist in 1986, the Big Mac Index began as a tongue-in-cheek way to measure purchasing power parity (PPP) — comparing how much a Big Mac costs in different countries. Over time, it’s evolved into a surprisingly useful snapshot of global currencies and economic conditions, offering an accessible look at how far your money goes around the world.
As of 2025, the average Big Mac in the United States costs $5.79, though prices vary by region. Out of the 78 countries tracked in the index, only five have higher Big Mac prices than the U.S.: Switzerland, Argentina, Uruguay, Norway, and Costa Rica. Switzerland tops the list with a whopping $7.99 Big Mac — about 38% more expensive than in the U.S. — thanks to factors like high labor costs and a strong currency.