Delivery fees, service charges, and surge pricing can quietly inflate a $15 meal into a $30 tab — and with so many apps competing for your order, picking the wrong one costs real money. A recent Delish report found that Grubhub is the most affordable option in 24 states, though the cheapest app shifts depending on your city and restaurant. If you're also weighing DoorDash vs Uber Eats, the price gap between platforms can be surprisingly wide. Read on to find the right app for your budget — let's get started!
Quick Answer
Grubhub is the cheapest food delivery app overall, ranking most affordable in 24 states according to Delish. However, the cheapest option varies by city and restaurant. Always compare delivery fees, service charges, and surge pricing across DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub before ordering, as costs can nearly double a meal's price.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grubhub | $0–$6.99 delivery fee; $9.99/mo membership | Budget-conscious users in 24 states | Visit Site |
| DoorDash | $1.99–$5.99 delivery fee; $9.99/mo DashPass | Wide restaurant selection & frequent promos | Visit Site |
| Uber Eats | $0.49–$7.99 delivery fee; $9.99/mo Uber One | Urban users wanting fast delivery & ride perks | Visit Site |
| Postmates | $0.99–$3.99 delivery fee (merged with Uber Eats) | Non-food delivery & convenience store orders | Visit Site |
| Slice | $2.99 flat delivery fee; no subscription needed | Pizza lovers supporting local pizzerias | Visit Site |
What Is The Cheapest Food Delivery App? [2026 Price Comparison]
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Grubhub
Grubhub is one of the more budget-friendly food delivery options when you factor in its loyalty perks and frequent promo codes. New users regularly receive $10–$15 off their first order, and Grubhub+ members (free with Amazon Prime) get unlimited $0 delivery fees on eligible orders — making it a strong pick for frequent orderers trying to cut costs.
Key savings features:
- Grubhub+ is free with Amazon Prime (normally $9.99/month)
- Rotating "Perks" tab with restaurant-specific discounts and free items
- Service fees typically range 5–15% depending on the restaurant
2. DoorDash
DoorDash keeps delivery costs low through its DashPass subscription ($9.99/month or $96/year), which waives delivery fees and reduces service fees on orders over $12. It's one of the cheapest food delivery apps for daily users since the subscription pays for itself after just a few orders per month. For a deeper look at how it compares head-to-head, see our DoorDash vs Uber Eats breakdown.
Notable perks:
- DashPass includes Caviar access at no extra cost
- $0 delivery fees on eligible orders over $12 with DashPass
- Frequent "$0 delivery fee" promotions for non-subscribers too
3. Uber Eats
Uber Eats offers competitive pricing through its Eats Pass subscription ($9.99/month), which eliminates delivery fees and gives 5% off eligible orders — useful for reducing the total bill on pricier restaurants. According to Delish, Uber Eats is often the cheapest option depending on your state, particularly in urban markets where surge fees are rare and restaurant density keeps competition high.
What you get:
- Eats Pass: $9.99/month with free delivery + 5% off orders over $15
- Lower fees when bundled with an Uber One membership ($9.99/month covers both rides and food)
- Pickup discount option (10–15% off) if you skip delivery entirely
4. Postmates
Postmates is worth considering for budget-conscious delivery shoppers because it merged with Uber Eats, meaning you now access Postmates restaurants directly through the Uber Eats app — with the same fee structures and discounts. If you already have an Uber One membership ($9.99/month), you get free delivery on Postmates-origin orders just as you would with standard Uber Eats restaurants, stretching your subscription across a wider restaurant catalog.
What to know:
- Uber One membership covers Postmates orders — no separate subscription needed
- Delivery fees typically $0.49–$2.99 for Uber One members vs. $3.99–$7.99 without
- Best for existing Uber Eats users wanting more local restaurant options without extra cost
5. Slice
Slice is a low-cost delivery option specifically for independent pizza shops, making it one of the cheapest food delivery app choices if pizza is your go-to order. Unlike DoorDash or Grubhub, Slice charges a flat $2.99 delivery fee per order regardless of distance or order size — no surge pricing, no service fee stacking. It connects you directly with local pizzerias, so you're not funding a large platform's markups on top of every slice. For a doordash vs uber eats comparison, Slice consistently undercuts both on total fees for pizza orders.
Key features:
- Flat $2.99 delivery fee — no service fees added on top
- Exclusive to independent pizza restaurants (not chains)
- Rewards program earns free pizza after repeat orders
Final Words
With food delivery apps offering everything from free delivery tiers to subscription plans ranging from $0 to $9.99 per month, there's a budget-friendly option for every lifestyle. Compare the five apps above, take advantage of free trials and promo codes, and start saving on your next order today.