Is DoorDash too expensive now?

DoorDash is usually not cheap, and for many orders it ends up about 15%–35% more expensive than ordering directly from the restaurant once you include delivery fees, service fees, tips, and sometimes higher menu prices. On smaller orders, the extra cost can be even more noticeable—sometimes $5–$15+ on a modest meal.

A practical rule of thumb:

• Small order ($15–$25): often ends up $22–$35 delivered
• Typical order ($25–$45): often ends up $33–$60 delivered
• Larger order ($50+): the fees may be a smaller percentage, but the total can still be $10–$20+ above pickup/direct ordering

So if you’re asking whether it’s “too expensive,” the answer is: often yes compared with pickup or direct ordering, but not necessarily if you value convenience and order selectively.

Best ways to keep costs down:

• Choose pickup when possible
• Compare the app total with the restaurant’s own ordering price
• Use DashPass or similar memberships only if you order often enough to offset the fee
• Avoid small single-item orders, where fees hurt the most

Prices and fees change by market, time, and promotions, so it’s worth checking completed orders or the live checkout total before you decide.