That feeling when you're hungry, tired, and just want food to appear at your door without spending a fortune – we've all been there. 

With food delivery costs climbing, it's worth asking: "What's the cheapest food delivery app: DoorDash or Grubhub?"

I've seen it happen too many times – that $15 meal somehow morphs into a $30 charge on your credit card after all the fees, tips, and surcharges are added. 

Both DoorDash and Grubhub pile on various costs that can double your meal price before you know what hit you.

The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to which service is cheaper. 

Each platform wins in different scenarios, depending on your order size, location, and available promotions. 

Let's break down the fees, subscriptions, and real-world examples so you can consistently get the best deal when ordering food.

Base Menu Prices & Restaurant Markups

Before we even talk about fees, there's a sneaky cost factor many people miss: the menu prices themselves can differ between apps and what you'd pay directly at the restaurant.

DoorDash often allows restaurants to set higher menu prices than their in-store menus. 

Restaurants do this to offset the commission fees they pay to DoorDash. 

This markup can range from 10-20% on each item.

Grubhub, on the other hand, typically enforces price parity, meaning restaurants should maintain the same prices on Grubhub as they charge in-restaurant.

This price difference makes a substantial impact on your total.

For example, a burger might cost $12 on DoorDash but only $10 on Grubhub (if Grubhub maintains menu price) – giving you an automatic $2 savings on Grubhub before any fees are calculated.

My advice is to always compare item subtotals for the same order on both apps. If DoorDash's prices are higher, Grubhub gains an immediate edge.

Just be aware that some restaurants mark up prices on all delivery apps despite policies. If a restaurant inflates prices across both platforms, you'll need to focus on comparing the fees next.

Delivery & Service Fees – Side-by-Side Comparison

Let's talk about fees – they're the major cost differentiator between these services. 

Each platform charges two main types: a delivery fee (for bringing the food to you) and a service fee (the app's cut for facilitating the order), plus other possible surcharges.

DoorDash Fees

DoorDash's fee structure breaks down like this:

• Delivery Fee: Usually ranges from $1.99–$5.99, varying by distance and demand. DoorDash sometimes offers $0 delivery during promotions or for DashPass members.

• Service Fee: Around 15% of your food subtotal (often with a $3 minimum). This is relatively high – on a $30 order, you're looking at about $4.50 just in service fees.

• Small Order Fee: $2.50 if your subtotal falls below their threshold (around $10–$12). This essentially penalizes you for not ordering enough food.
  Additional Local Fees: Some cities add regulatory or "city" fees on DoorDash orders (an extra $1–$2 in certain markets). These come on top of the standard fees mentioned above.

Grubhub Fees

Grubhub structures their fees differently:

• Delivery Fee: Often $0.99–$6.99 depending on restaurant distance. Many restaurants on Grubhub set their own delivery fee, and Grubhub frequently runs free delivery promotions, especially for Grubhub+ members.

• Service Fee: Typically 5–10% of the subtotal – notably lower than DoorDash's 15%. On that same $30 order, Grubhub's service fee might be only about $2.00.
  Small Order Fee: About $2 for orders under $10 (slightly lower threshold and amount than DoorDash's $2.50 for orders under $12).

• Misc/Regulatory Fees: Grubhub generally does NOT add extra local fees in most cities. They stick to the basic fees, which can save you a few bucks in places where DoorDash adds special surcharges.

Quick Fee Comparison Table

DoorDash vs Grubhub Fee Structure – Grubhub generally has lower service fees and fewer surprise add-ons, making it advantageous for larger orders. DoorDash's higher percentage fees hurt more as your cart total grows.

The key takeaway here: Grubhub's lower service fee percentage gives it an edge for medium to large orders, while DoorDash's advantage might come on small orders if its base fees are waived through promotions.

Subscription Plans – DashPass vs. Grubhub+

If you order delivery regularly, you should know both apps offer premium memberships for $9.99/month that can eliminate delivery fees and reduce other costs.

DashPass (DoorDash) costs $9.99/month and includes:

• $0 delivery fees on orders over $12

• Typically reduced service fees

• Occasionally exclusive DashPass deals or credits

• 5% back in credits on pickup orders

Grubhub+ also costs $9.99/month and provides:

• $0 delivery on orders over $12

• Often no service fee or lower service fees on those orders

• 10% cashback in Grubhub credit on pickup orders (double what DoorDash offers)

• Random perks like free food items or exclusive coupons

The huge selling point for Grubhub+ is that Amazon Prime members get Grubhub+ included for free. If you already pay for Prime, you can activate Grubhub+ at no additional cost, making Grubhub immediately more cost-effective. This partnership saves you $120/year if you're already a Prime subscriber.

Which subscription is better? It depends on your situation:

• If you're a Prime member, Grubhub+ is a no-brainer free benefit

• If you have certain credit cards, you might get DashPass for free or discounted (some Chase cards offer free DashPass for a year)

• DoorDash often gives a 1-month DashPass trial to new users

To make the math simple: At $1.99–$3.99 delivery fee per order, ordering 3+ times a month makes a $9.99 subscription pay for itself. If you order food weekly, one of these subscriptions could dramatically cut your monthly delivery spending.

Promotions, Discounts & Coupons

Both apps regularly run promotions that can tip the scales in their favor:

In-App Promotions: Look for deals like $0 delivery fee from select restaurants (marked in-app), percentage-off deals (e.g. "20% off your first order at [Restaurant]"), or loyalty deals (DoorDash's "DoubleDash" or Grubhub's frequent "Perks" offers for free items).

New User Deals: First-time customers typically get a promo like "Free Delivery on Your First Order" on both platforms. Sometimes DoorDash offers an extra $5–$10 off first orders over a certain amount, and Grubhub has done similar offers. If you haven't tried one of the apps yet, using their new-user promo could make that option temporarily cheaper.

Referral Codes: Both apps offer credits for referring friends (e.g., "Give $10, Get $10" programs). If you have friends not using one platform, this is a way to earn some free meal credits.

Third-Party Coupon Codes: Don't limit yourself to in-app deals. Many websites compile special offers for food delivery services that can save you serious cash. For example, you can find active Grubhub coupon codes through services like Capital One Shopping, which automatically finds and applies them at checkout. These might get you an extra $5-10 off that you wouldn't find browsing the app alone.

Credit Card Offers: Many credit cards have special perks with these delivery services. The Amex Gold card provides up to $10 monthly credit for Grubhub (effectively making orders cheaper), and some banks give periodic DoorDash credits or cashback offers. Check your card benefits or shopping portals for any DoorDash/Grubhub deals.

Stacking Deals: The savviest move is to stack your savings – use a free delivery promo + a coupon code + cashback/reward from a credit card simultaneously. While not always possible, being aware of all options ensures you're not leaving money on the table.

Real-World Price Comparison (Case Studies)

Let's move beyond abstract pricing and look at concrete comparisons to show when each service comes out ahead:

Small Order Example (~$15–$20): For a single meal around $18 from a local diner, DoorDash might have no small order fee (if above their minimum) and a $3 delivery charge, while Grubhub charges $2 delivery + $2 small order fee. After factoring in service fees (15% vs ~5%), DoorDash might end up a few dollars cheaper for this solo order.

Real-world testing backs this up. In practice, DoorDash often wins on orders under $20. CNET's testing found that for three small orders, DoorDash was about $10 cheaper in total than Grubhub. This is largely because DoorDash waives certain fees on small orders more often.

Medium Order Example (~$50 family meal): For a larger family takeout order of about $50, DoorDash would add ~$7.50 service fee (15%) plus delivery, while Grubhub would add maybe $3–$5 service fee (5–10%) plus similar delivery costs. Grubhub tends to be cheaper for this size order – one analysis found Grubhub was the lowest cost for orders around $50 by a healthy margin.

Real data shows: "For a $50 order, DoorDash's fees might total $10+, vs. Grubhub's ~$5–$7 in fees." Over multiple tests, Grubhub consistently came out cheapest on medium orders.

Large Order Example (>$75 group order): When feeding a crowd, service fees on DoorDash climb substantially (15% of a big subtotal becomes a big number). Grubhub's percentage is lower and sometimes capped. For large orders, Grubhub almost always has the advantage. In real comparisons of $75+ orders, Grubhub was either cheapest or tied for cheapest, while DoorDash was notably higher.

One test in NYC showed an $80 order was about $20 cheaper on Grubhub than on DoorDash – that's significant savings that could buy you an extra appetizer or dessert!

User Anecdotes & Opinions: Real users on Reddit and other forums share similar experiences. Some r/Frugal users report Grubhub ending up cheaper, especially with free Grubhub+ via Prime. One user did a side-by-side comparison with free Grubhub+ and found Grubhub was ~30% cheaper than DoorDash for identical items.

That said, some folks note DoorDash can have better driver availability or faster delivery, so they're willing to pay a small premium for that service. Speed isn't our focus here, but it's something to consider if you're on a tight schedule.

The takeaway is that there's no one-size-fits-all answer – which service is cheaper flips based on order size, location, and current deals. 

DoorDash often wins for small solo meals, while Grubhub shines for larger orders.

Money-Saving Tips to Maximize Value

Let me share some insider strategies to get the most bang for your buck:

Build & Compare Carts Each Time 

The surest way to know which app is cheaper for your specific order is to actually load both apps and compare the final price (before tip) side by side. 

Yes, it takes an extra minute, but you might consistently save $5-10 by choosing the cheaper total. 

Prices fluctuate with promos and fees, so today DoorDash might have a deal, next week Grubhub might.

Grubhub's Price Guarantee 

Here's an underutilized hack: Grubhub has a "Lowest Price Guarantee". 

If you find the exact order cheaper on a competitor (DoorDash/UberEats), Grubhub will credit you the difference + $5 in Perks. 

This means you can order on Grubhub without fear of overpaying: if DoorDash would have been $4 cheaper, Grubhub essentially pays you $9 ($4 + $5 bonus).

Time Your Order 

Avoid ordering at peak meal times if possible. Both platforms raise delivery fees during busy periods (higher demand = higher fees). 

Late-night orders often have extra fees or fewer couriers. 

If you can schedule a bit earlier or during off-peak (e.g. mid-afternoon), you'll often see lower delivery fees. 

Try ordering ahead during an off-peak time for dinner to lock in a lower fee.

Choose Pickup When Feasible

If the restaurant is nearby, consider pickup instead of delivery. 

Both DoorDash and Grubhub allow pickup orders with $0 delivery fee and no tip needed. 

You'll still pay any markup on menu price, but you avoid all delivery and service fees, saving $5–$10 per order. 

Plus, Grubhub+ gives 5% back on pickup orders and DashPass gives 5% credit back – a little bonus for picking it up yourself.

Leverage Free Trials and Switch Off

Don't stay loyal to just one app. 

Alternate based on deals: use DoorDash during a month you have a free DashPass trial, then switch to Grubhub when DoorDash's trial ends and take advantage of your free Grubhub+ via Prime. 

By cycling through promotions and trials, you can enjoy "premium" benefits without paying for multiple subscriptions.

Monitor "Fee Transparency" 

Keep an eye on the breakdown at checkout. DoorDash sometimes lumps fees together or hides small order fees in fine print. 

Expand the details to see exactly what you're paying. If adding a few more dollars to your order removes a small order fee, you'll get more food for nearly the same total price. 

Example: if you have $9 in your cart on Grubhub, add a $2 item to avoid the $2 fee – you'll get extra food for roughly no extra cost.

Check Aggregator Apps/Websites

For the ultra-savvy: tools like FoodBoss or MealMe let you compare delivery fees and times across multiple services in one place. 

These can show you at a glance which service is cheapest for your current order. 

It's like kayak.com but for food delivery.

Combine these strategies to maximize your savings. The difference of a few dollars here and there really adds up if you order regularly.

Which One Should You Use?

After all this analysis, here's what it comes down to: neither DoorDash nor Grubhub is universally cheaper all the time – each shines in different scenarios.

Grubhub typically offers better value on larger orders and for those with Prime (free Grubhub+) or Grubhub+ subscriptions, thanks to lower fees and no menu markups. DoorDash often comes out cheaper for small orders or when you can capitalize on a promo (like free delivery or no small order fee).

The power move is to compare before you order. If saving money is a priority, spend that extra minute to check both apps – you might be surprised how often one total is significantly higher.

Next time you're craving delivery, apply these tips. 

Whether it's using a coupon code, taking advantage of your Prime membership, or simply choosing pickup, you now have the know-how to get your favorite meals for less. 

Enjoy the convenience of delivery without the budget guilt!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Grubhub cheaper than DoorDash?

It depends on your order details. Grubhub often ends up cheaper for larger orders (lower service fees) and if you're an Amazon Prime member using free Grubhub+ (no delivery fees). 

DoorDash can be cheaper for smaller orders since it sometimes waives the small order fee and runs more frequent promo codes for individuals. 

Always compare your specific order on both apps – you may find a different winner each time.

Does DoorDash mark up menu prices (and Grubhub)?

DoorDash often has marked-up menu prices – many restaurants charge ~10-20% more on DoorDash to offset commissions. 

Grubhub's policy aims for price parity, meaning the menu prices should match the restaurant's in-house prices. 

In practice, most Grubhub listings stick to regular prices, whereas on DoorDash you might pay extra for the food itself. 

You might pay $1-2 more per item on DoorDash at some places, whereas Grubhub usually doesn't have that upcharge.

Is DashPass or Grubhub+ worth it?

If you order delivery more than 2-3 times a month, either subscription can pay for itself by eliminating delivery fees (and reducing service fees). 

Both cost $9.99/month and can easily save $5+ per order in fees. Grubhub+ has the edge of 10% back on pickup and is free with Amazon Prime, so Prime members definitely should use it. 

DashPass might be worth it for heavy DoorDash users or if you have a free/discounted membership via a credit card. 

Casual users (few orders a month) might skip subscriptions and just use promotions as needed.

How much should I tip on DoorDash or Grubhub?

A standard tip is 15-20% of the food total (just like restaurant tipping) or at least $3-$5 for smaller orders. 

Delivery drivers see your tip before accepting the order, and a higher tip can ensure quicker service. 

Neither platform includes the tip in fees, so tip is extra – but 100% of it goes to the driver on both apps.

How can I get free delivery on these apps?

New users get free delivery on their first order by default on both apps. After that, look for restaurants labeled "$0 delivery" (often via promos or because you met a minimum spend). 

Subscribing to DashPass or Grubhub+ gives you unlimited free deliveries on eligible orders over the minimum subtotal. 

Also, keep an eye out for promo codes – occasionally DoorDash or Grubhub releases codes for free delivery. 

Lastly, sometimes bundling orders (grouping food from the same restaurant for friends/family) can make the delivery fee more worthwhile or even free if a minimum spend is met.