American Cities With the Most Expensive Pizza

When you’re hungry, don’t feel like cooking, and don’t want to spend a lot of money, pizza is the perfect choice. It’s cheap, readily available, and can feed a whole family. Plus, no matter how picky anyone is, you can find a pizza they’ll be happy with.

But, in some cities, you might pay more per pizza relative to your income than in others. And the price difference can be dramatic. Research from real estate site Clever found which cities have the most expensive pizza compared to the typical local salary. Keep reading to learn about the most expensive bites of pizza you’ll find, depending on where you live.

Average Large Cheese: $24.48

Average Large Pepperoni: $26.91

Las Vegas is known for gambling, excess and not worrying about consequences. Maybe that’s why pizzerias can afford to charge high prices for their pies. Locals will spend about 3.56% of their income on pizza — the highest percentage in the country. Yikes — hopefully your gambling winnings can pay for those slices.

Average Large Cheese: $22.31

Average Large Pepperoni: $25.39

When you think about eating in Buffalo, you probably imagine Buffalo chicken wings. Maybe that’s because residents of Buffalo will spend 3.53% of their income on pizza — the second-highest amount in the country. At that price, wouldn’t you rather have a plate full of wings? Me too.

Average Large Cheese: $23.30

Average Large Pepperoni: $26.36

Orlando is known for one thing: theme parks. But whether you’re a Disney lover or not, you’ll spend about 3.34% of your income on pizza. That’s the third-highest amount in the country, which is fairly surprising for a city that’s known for fun and fantasy.

Average Large Cheese: $21.20

Average Large Pepperoni: $22.67

Located just north of Los Angeles, Bakersfield is a less well-known city in California. But one thing you should know before visiting is that grabbing a pizza pie might cost you more than you expect. The average Bakersfield resident will spend about 3.31% of their income on two large pizzas.

Average Large Cheese: $20.08

Average Large Pepperoni: $23.58

In a city known for bourbon and horse racing, Louisville is also famous for a specific type of fast food: fried chicken. Maybe that’s a good thing. Louisville locals will spend about 3.29% of their income on a cheese and pepperoni pizza. That’s a pretty substantial amount — maybe a bucket of chicken is a better deal.

Average Large Cheese: $19.38

Average Large Pepperoni: $22.17

The city of Wichita, Kansas isn’t particularly famous for any particular type of cuisine. So if you’re craving a basic pizza, you might think it’s a good option. However, just be prepared for the hefty final bill. Wichita locals will spend about 3.20% of their salary on two large pizzas — one of the highest percentages in the country.

Average Large Cheese: $17.00

Average Large Pepperoni: $19.60

People know the Big Easy is a great place to grab a bite. But if you’re not in the mood for gumbo or gator, then you might want to get some ‘za. Before you place that order, consider how much it might cost. Two large pizzas will cost you about 3.12% of your salary — a substantial amount to pay.

Average Large Cheese: $14.97

Average Large Pepperoni: $17.00

Located just across the border from Mexico, McAllen is probably a great spot to get some Tex-Mex. But when you’re not in the mood for queso or burritos, then you might want a pizza. Just don’t be surprised at the final bill. The average McAllen resident spends about 3.10% of their salary on pizza.

Average Large Cheese: $18.11

Average Large Pepperoni: $20.82

The plains aren’t particularly known for a specific type of cuisine, so pizza feels like a safe choice. But it’s also an expensive one. The typical Tulsa local will spend about 3.09% of their income on two large pizzas - more than you might imagine.

Average Large Cheese: $15.88

Average Large Pepperoni: $18.66

When most people think about Scranton, they think about “The Office” TV show. However, if you’re a resident, then you know that Scranton has more to offer. Unfortunately, reasonably priced pizza isn’t one of those things. The typical resident will spend 3.05% of their income on two large pizzas (one cheese and one pepperoni).

Average Large Cheese: $26.00

Average Large Pepperoni: $29.75

If you want to sample a slice from the city most famous for pizza, you should be prepared to ante up. The cost of pizza equals about 3.04% of the average resident’s income. To break it down even more, you’ll spend about $26 on an average large cheese pizza and almost $30 for a pepperoni pie. That’s still less than you’ll spend on almost any other kind of meal in the Big Apple.

Average Large Cheese: $20.92

Average Large Pepperoni: $22.65

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Columbus doesn’t have a clear identity to outsiders. And if you do happen to be visiting the Discovery City, make sure to budget for pizza. Columbus residents have to spend about 2.93% of their salary on two large pizzas. That’s more than you might have bargained for.

Average Large Cheese: $18.79

Average Large Pepperoni: $21.16

As the second California city on this list, Fresno might not have a reputation for expensive pizza — but it should. The average Fresno resident will spend about 2.92% of their salary on two large pizzas (cheese and pepperoni). That’s a pretty steep price to pay.

Average Large Cheese: $22.73

Average Large Pepperoni: $26.10

Outside of New York City, Chicago is the second-most famous place to get pizza. And while the city is known for a variety of deep dish chains, you’ll have to fork over more than you imagined to get that slice. It costs about 2.92% of a Chicagoan’s salary to buy two large pizzas. Yikes. For that price, it should be one of the best pies you’ll ever find.

Average Large Cheese: $17.12

Average Large Pepperoni: $18.81

As the barbecue capital of the world, most people don’t go to Memphis to eat anything besides ribs or pulled pork sandwiches. But if you do find yourself craving a pizza, you’ll pay for it. The average Memphis resident spends about 2.92% of their salary on two large pizzas. Maybe you’re better off getting some barbecue instead.