And in 2004 I regularly paid $50+.
Taco bell is the most ridiculous now. If I eat there I will only order a $2-$3 "value" burrito. The moment you order any kind of combo, you are out $10+.
Every fast food place now requires using their apps and shit to get what ought to be menu prices, judging by what the prices were before.
They require “hacking” and careful deal-hunting to get the kind of bargains that used to be available with ordinary specials and coupons and such.
You can still “win” against e.g. Taco Bell, but it’s much harder. Ordinary menu prices everywhere are ripoff-tier.
Changes in technology do shift the market baskets that we buy. I now pay $7 to do the equivalent of "filling my tank" when I charge at home.
> I ate a meal with a drink at Taco Bell for $2-3.
Taco Bell in particular has gone mad, I don't see how they can survive with current pricing. I used to go often, knowing it wasn't good quality but it was oh so cheap.
Today their prices are so high that I can go to a local taqueria and get a giant burrito with far better and fresher ingredients and friendlier service for less money than a few mystery meat tacos from Taco Bell.
So on the positive side, I now only frequent the local business with good quality food.
I ate a meal with a drink at Taco Bell for $2-3.