Understanding the typical cost of using Grubhub helps buyers plan a budget for delivery meals. This guide covers the main price drivers, including delivery fees, service charges, and tips, with clear low–average–high ranges in USD. The cost of ordering is influenced by restaurant pricing, location, time, and order size.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Fee | $0.99 | $2.99 | $5.99 | Varies by distance and restaurant. |
| Service Fee | $0.50 | $1.99 | $3.99 | Charged on each order. |
| Small Order Fee | $0 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Applied when order total is below a threshold. |
| Taxes | Varies | Varies | Varies | State and local rates apply. |
| Tip to Driver | Say $3 | typical | $10+ | Customizable by user; not a Grubhub fee. |
| Promo/Discount | $0 | $5–$15 | $20+ | Depends on promotions and new-user offers. |
Note: Prices assume a typical U.S. urban or suburban delivery order with a standard menu selection. Regional differences can shift the totals by several dollars per order.
Overview Of Costs
Costs include the base menu price plus add-ons such as delivery, service charges, taxes, and optional tips. The cost to order is the sum of restaurant prices, plus these delivery-related fees, which can vary widely by city and time of day. For a typical order, plan for a base food cost of $15–$40, plus delivery-related fees that range from $2–$6.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menu Price (Food) | $10.00 | $18.00 | $40.00 | Restaurant pricing; may vary by item and location. |
| Delivery Fee | $0.99 | $2.99 | $5.99 | Distance and time affect charges. |
| Service Fee | $0.50 | $1.99 | $3.99 | Charged per order. |
| Small Order Fee | $0 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Applied when subtotal is below threshold. |
| Taxes | Varies | Varies | Varies | State and local rates apply. |
| Tip to Driver | $3 | $5 | $10 | Usually added at checkout. |
| Promo/Discount | $0 | $5 | $20 | Reduces subtotal if available. |
What Drives Price
Delivery distance and time are primary price drivers, with longer trips adding to the delivery fee and potential surge pricing during peak periods. Restaurant pricing and item choices also affect totals; popular items or premium dishes raise the base menu cost. Seasonal demand and location-specific taxes can push totals higher or lower. Assumptions: region, restaurant mix, order size.
Pricing Variables
Delivery zones differ: urban centers often have higher delivery fees or service charges but may offer promotions with larger order minimums. Rural areas may see higher delivery fees due to longer routes. Early-evening and weekend orders can trigger surge-like pricing or limited promotional windows. A typical order near dinner time tends to be the costliest on average.
Ways To Save
Use promotions and loyalty programs to lower the overall price, such as new-user discounts or bundled deals. Ordering in larger quantities or combining items to avoid small-order fees can cut per-item costs. Checking different restaurants within the app can reveal lower delivery fees or subsidized delivery on certain days. Budget-conscious shoppers should compare menu prices across restaurants before adding items to cart.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region and metro area. Urban regions often have higher delivery fees but more promotions; Suburban areas balance delivery costs with wider restaurant options; Rural areas may see higher per-mile delivery charges due to distance. In the Northeast, expect higher taxes and fees; the Midwest may have lower menu prices but similar service charges. A three-city snapshot shows roughly ±10–25% differences in total order cost between regions.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic scenario: A user orders one entrée ($12), a side ($4), delivery fee $2.99, service fee $1.99, tax 8.5%, tip $3. Total around $33–$36 depending on restaurant taxes and promos. Assumptions: standard items, no promos, suburban delivery.
Mid-Range scenario: Menu items total $22, delivery $3.99, service $2.49, small-order fee $1.50, tax 8.75%, tip $5. Total around $40–$50 with promotions applied or not. Assumptions: mid-tier restaurant, suburban area, evening peak.
Premium scenario: Items total $40, delivery $5.50, service $3.50, small-order fee $0, tax 9.1%, tip $8. Total around $68–$78. Assumptions: high-priced restaurant, urban area, peak time.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Surge-pricing-like adjustments can occur during peak times or inclement weather. Some meals include optional add-ons or substitutions that add cost. Always review the checkout page for hidden fees such as processing or environment fees that may be listed near the end of the order. Local taxes and regulatory fees also apply based on jurisdiction.
Price At A Glance
The typical all-in order for a standard dinner is in the range of $25–$50 for mid-range menus, with delivery and service fees adding $2–$6 on top. For higher-end meals or busy periods, expect totals in the $60–$90 range, especially in dense urban markets. Budget for tips typically between $3–$10, depending on service quality and order size.
Assumptions: region, menu mix, labor/driver demand, and current promos.