Food delivery costs keep rising, and if you're trying to save money, you're probably wondering whether DoorDash or Grubhub will be kinder to your wallet.

Both platforms add various fees that can quickly turn your $15 burger into a $30 experience. 

I've analyzed how each service structures their costs and found that the answer isn't straightforward – each platform has scenarios where it wins the price battle. 

To get a true sense of how the costs stack up, I built identical orders at multiple restaurants—including big chains like Dunkin’ and Chipotle, plus a local Thai spot and a classic deli.

I skipped tipping for clarity (though tipping your driver is always the right thing to do). I also steered clear of discounts and delivery promos where possible, though let’s be real—those pop up all the time and can skew things.

Beyond just comparing food prices, I looked closely at each platform’s delivery fees, service charges, and special plans to see where the hidden costs lurk.

Let's break down exactly how these services charge you and reveal which one saves you more money based on what and when you're ordering.

Base Menu Prices: Do They Match Restaurant Prices?

Before comparing fees, we need to address something crucial: the actual food prices on each app.

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

This means that burger you're eyeing might cost $12 on DoorDash but only $10 in the restaurant itself – a 20% markup before any delivery fees even enter the picture.

Grubhub, however, typically requires restaurants to maintain the same pricing as their in-store menus. 

This "price parity" approach means you're usually paying the actual menu price for your food.

For budget-conscious eaters, this distinction matters a lot. 

When ordering multiple items, a 10-20% price difference on the base menu can easily add $5-10 to your bill before any other charges.

For the most accurate comparison, build identical carts on both apps and compare the subtotals before fees. 

If you notice the DoorDash food prices look higher, that gives Grubhub an immediate advantage.

Delivery & Service Fees: The Hidden Costs

Now let's talk about those extra charges that transform reasonable food prices into painful totals.

DoorDash Fees:

• Delivery Fee: Usually ranges from $1.99 to $5.99 based on your distance from the restaurant. Some restaurants offer $0 delivery during promotions.

• Service Fee: This is where DoorDash gets expensive – they charge around 15% of your food subtotal. On a $30 order, that's $4.50 just for... using their service.

• Small Order Fee: If your subtotal falls below $10-15 (threshold varies), you'll pay an extra $2.50 penalty.

• Local Fees: Some cities have additional charges – like a $4.99 "City Fee" in Seattle or $1.99 in NYC.

• Other Fees: DoorDash sometimes includes regulatory or local law charges, so don’t be surprised if you see a mystery fee pop up at checkout.

DoorDash charges approximately 15% of your order subtotal as a service fee. This percentage is consistently higher than Grubhub’s average of 5–10%.

Fee Breakdown Cheat Sheet:

• Service fees help DoorDash keep the lights on, starting at 60 cents but often much higher depending on your total.

• Delivery fees can vary by restaurant and location, and may be $0–$3 during promotions or as high as $5.99 otherwise.

• Small order fees are a flat $2.50 charge if you’re under their minimum.

• Other fees may include city-mandated surcharges or regulatory fees.

Grubhub Fees:

• Delivery Fee: Similar range from $0.99 to $7.99, though they often run free delivery promotions.

• Service Fee: Lower than DoorDash – typically 5-10% of your order subtotal, which makes a big difference on larger orders.

• Small Order Fee: $2 for orders under $10, slightly less than DoorDash's $2.50.

• Other Fees: Occasionally, you’ll see locally mandated fees, but these are rare compared to other platforms.

Typically, Grubhub delivery fees range from $0.99 to $7.99, depending on your distance and local demand. They often have promotions offering free delivery.

Looking at just the fee structure, Grubhub shows a clear advantage for medium and large orders because of its lower service fee percentage. For a $50 family meal, DoorDash might charge $7.50 in service fees (15%) while Grubhub might only charge $3-5 (5-10%).

Uber Eats and Postmates: A Quick Comparison

• Service Fees: Uber Eats adds a fee (with a minimum 10 cents) to cover their operating costs.

• Delivery Fees: Can be anywhere from $0.49 up to $11.99, heavily dependent on how far your food has to travel and how many drivers are nearby.

• Small Order Fees: These kick in for orders under the minimum, and the amount depends on your city.

• Delivery Adjustment Fees: If you change your address mid-order, expect a little extra charge.

• Marketplace Fees: These apply if the restaurant handles its own delivery.

• Other Fees: Local laws sometimes add yet another fee.

What Hidden Fees Should I Watch Out For on Grubhub?

Grubhub rarely has hidden fees, but occasionally, additional charges can occur due to temporary city regulations or promotional expirations. Always verify your checkout total carefully.

Quick Tips to Avoid DoorDash Fees

• Choose restaurants offering $0 delivery promotions.

• Order outside peak hours (avoid dinner rush or late-night).

• Opt for pickup to eliminate delivery fees completely.

DoorDash vs. Grubhub Fee Comparison

Above figures represent typical ranges; actual fees vary by city and restaurant.

Subscription Plans: Are They Worth It?

For frequent deliveries, subscription plans can dramatically reduce your costs:

DashPass ($9.99/month)

• Eliminates delivery fees on orders over $12

• Reduces service fees (though not eliminated)

• Usually pays for itself if you order 3+ times monthly

Grubhub+ ($9.99/month)

• Eliminates delivery fees on orders over $12

• Gives 10% cashback in Grubhub credits on eligible orders

• Offers occasional perks like free food items

The biggest advantage is that Amazon Prime members get Grubhub+ free. 

If you're already paying for Prime, activating this benefit essentially makes Grubhub the cheaper option automatically, since you're getting free delivery without paying the $9.99 monthly subscription fee.

For non-Prime users, both subscriptions cost the same, but Grubhub+ offers that additional 10% cashback benefit that DashPass doesn't match.

You can cancel these subscriptions anytime, so consider activating them only during months when you know you'll order frequently.

But do these subscriptions make sense for everyone? 

While services like Uber One and Grubhub+ advertise enticing savings through reduced fees and special offers, it's important to weigh the actual value - especially if you don't order often.

For infrequent users, the monthly subscription cost can easily outweigh the savings, turning what looks like a deal into money lost.

Unless you're placing several orders each month, you may end up paying more overall than you would by simply sticking to pay-as-you-go delivery.

If your food delivery habits are more sporadic, think twice before subscribing. These plans shine brightest for regular users; otherwise, your money might be better spent elsewhere.

DoorDash vs. Grubhub Fees for Restaurants: Which Platform Charges Merchants More?

DoorDash and Grubhub both charge restaurants a commission for each order placed through their platforms. 

DoorDash typically charges between 15-30%, depending on marketing and promotional services selected by the restaurant. 

Grubhub’s commissions range similarly (15-30%), with lower rates usually available if restaurants use Grubhub exclusively. 

Additionally, DoorDash sometimes adds extra marketing fees, while Grubhub includes marketing costs within standard fees.

From what we could see, Uber Eats offers merchants the best possible terms in this industry.

Promotions and Promo Codes: The Great Equalizer

Both apps constantly offer promotions that can completely flip which one is cheaper on any given day:

• First-time user deals: DoorDash typically offers free delivery on your first order, while Grubhub often gives a percentage off (like 30% off your first order).

• Regular promo codes: DoorDash tends to be more generous with widespread codes like "50% off up to $10" or "free delivery all weekend."

• Restaurant-specific deals: Grubhub's "Perks" tab showcases restaurant-specific discounts like "$5 off $25" at certain places.

These promotions are powerful enough to override the basic fee differences. 

If DoorDash has a 40% off promo while Grubhub has none, DoorDash will likely be cheaper regardless of their higher standard fees.

Always check both apps for current promotions before placing your order. Sometimes the discount on one platform can save you $10+ compared to the other.

Guarantees & Refund Policies

DoorDash typically offers refunds or credits if your order arrives late, damaged, or incorrect after reporting through their support channel. 

Grubhub provides refunds or credit through the “Grubhub Guarantee,” ensuring you’ll pay the lowest price compared to competitors, or you'll get a credit for the difference, plus an extra $5.

Tipping Expectations: A Hidden Cost Factor

When comparing total costs, don't forget about tips – they're a significant part of your final bill:

• The standard tip on both platforms is 15-20% of the food subtotal

• Drivers see your tip amount before accepting your order

• Low/no tips often result in longer wait times as drivers may decline your order

From a pure budget perspective, tipping is roughly equal between the platforms since you should tip similarly regardless of which app you use. 

Just remember to factor it into your total cost calculations.

If you're super cost-conscious, the money you save on fees (like using Grubhub+ to eliminate a $4 delivery charge) can go toward a better tip without increasing your total spend.

Impulse Spending: Why You End Up Ordering Extra Fries

It's no accident that you find yourself craving tacos at midnight or tacking on a brownie “just because.” Food delivery apps are built to make impulse buys feel painless—and oddly tempting. Here’s how they reel you in:

• Tempting Food Photos: Mouthwatering photography makes that sushi roll or burger look like it was plated by Gordon Ramsay, not hastily thrown into a takeout box. Staring at glossy images easily overrides your better judgment.

• Lightning-Fast “Add to Cart” Buttons: Within two taps, dessert is on the way—no time to rethink your choices.

• Push Notifications: Scheduled around common mealtimes (and those dangerously snacky hours), alerts pop up with “limited-time deals” or “X restaurant is trending near you!” luring you back even if you weren’t planning to order.

• Suggested Add-Ons: Just as you’re about to check out, the app flashes “Add a drink for $2?” or bundles side dishes at a so-called discount. It’s like having a persistent friend gently nudging, “You sure you don’t want fries with that?”

• FOMO Tactics: Time-limited promos and “Only 1 left at this price!” banners can make it feel like you’re missing out if you don’t act now.

Bottom line: By combining psychology, clever design, and the ever-present lure of free delivery, these apps quietly nudge you to splurge a little extra almost every time you order.

Which App is Cheaper? It Depends on Your Order

After comparing all these factors, here's when each app tends to be more budget-friendly:

DoorDash is usually cheaper when:

• You're placing small orders (under $20)

• You have an active promo code (they run frequent deals)

• You're a DashPass subscriber ordering multiple times weekly

• You're ordering from a restaurant with free delivery on DoorDash

Grubhub is usually cheaper when:

• You're placing medium to large orders ($30+) due to lower service fees

• You have Amazon Prime (free Grubhub+)

• You're ordering multiple times to benefit from the 10% cashback

• You're in cities where DoorDash charges extra regulatory fees

Real-world testing by CNET found that Grubhub was consistently cheaper for large orders, while DoorDash sometimes won on smaller orders.

How Prices Stack Up: Real-World Delivery App Comparisons

If you’re wondering how these apps actually compare when you hit “order,” here’s what side-by-side tests reveal:

Orders $25 and Under

• Uber Eats often comes out ahead for small orders at fast-food spots, sometimes by a few bucks.

• DoorDash and Grubhub occasionally take the lead, but usually by only $1–$2.

Orders $25 to $50

• Uber Eats and Postmates frequently offer the lowest totals, especially when you factor in promo codes or in-app discounts.

• Grubhub can sneak in as the cheapest for certain cuisines or local spots.

Orders $50 to $75

• Postmates typically dominates for big takeout runs, with Uber Eats trailing close behind.

• Grubhub and DoorDash may have higher totals unless you’re stacking up loyalty rewards or special offers.

Orders $75 and Up

• Postmates tends to be the budget pick for large group orders, thanks in part to volume discounts and occasional big-ticket promo deals.

• Even with similar promotions, Uber Eats is usually just a few dollars more.

No single service is always the cheapest; it really does depend on your order size, your location, and whether you’ve got a deal handy.

For small, solo orders, Uber Eats or DoorDash often win. For feeding a crowd, Postmates or Grubhub usually offer a better deal - especially if you’re willing to hunt for discounts or take advantage of subscription perks. And, of course, always double-check that delivery fee and service charge before you check out!

Unique Money-Saving Tips

Here are some strategies most comparison articles miss:

1. Use Grubhub's Price Guarantee: Grubhub offers a "Grubhub Guarantee" – if your order costs more on Grubhub than an identical order on a competitor, they'll credit you the difference (up to $10) plus $5 bonus. This means even when Grubhub isn't the cheapest, you can still come out ahead by claiming this benefit.

2. Time your orders strategically: Delivery fees often surge during peak meal times. Order during mid-afternoon (2-4 PM) for the lowest fees, and avoid late-night ordering when fees tend to spike.

3. Consider pickup instead of delivery: Both apps allow pickup orders with no delivery fee or tip required. If the restaurant is nearby, this can save you $8-10 per order while still letting you take advantage of app promotions.

4. Watch for credit card perks: Some credit cards offer monthly credits for DoorDash or Grubhub (like Chase cards with DoorDash benefits). Using these can effectively make one platform cheaper for you.

The Bottom Line: Compare Each Time

There's no universal winner in the DoorDash vs. Grubhub price war. 

The cheapest option changes based on:

• Your order size

• Current promotions

• Whether you have Prime or a subscription

• Your specific location

• Which restaurants you're ordering from

The truly budget-conscious approach is to compare both apps each time you order – build the same cart on each platform and see which final total is lower after all fees and discounts.

If you want my overall assessment: Grubhub's fee structure tends to be more budget-friendly for medium and large orders, especially for Prime members getting Grubhub+ for free. 

DoorDash shines with small orders and aggressive promotions, which can temporarily make it the better deal.

Either way, you can save money on every delivery by applying these insights and comparing before you check out.

FAQs: DoorDash vs. Grubhub Pricing

Is Grubhub cheaper than DoorDash? 

It depends on your order. Grubhub often has lower service fees and can be cheaper for larger orders or for Amazon Prime members (who get free Grubhub+). 

DoorDash, however, may be cheaper for small orders or when you have a good promo code. Always compare the final total for your specific order on both apps.

Do DoorDash or Grubhub mark up food prices? 

DoorDash sometimes does – it allows restaurants to set higher prices on the app than their in-store menu to offset commission.

Grubhub usually has the same menu prices as in-store (they aim for price parity). This means on DoorDash you might pay more for the food itself.

Is DashPass or Grubhub+ worth it? 

If you order delivery more than a couple times a month, yes. Both cost $9.99/month and can save you $5+ per order by eliminating delivery fees. 

Grubhub+ also gives 10% back in credits. Prime members get Grubhub+ free, making it an obvious choice if you already have Prime.

How much should I tip on DoorDash or Grubhub? 

Standard is 15-20% of the food total, similar to restaurant tipping. For a typical order, at least $3-5 is reasonable. 

Remember, drivers see your tip when deciding to take your order, so tipping well ensures faster service. Both platforms pass 100% of your tip to the courier.

Why Does DoorDash Charge a City Fee?

DoorDash applies city-specific fees to cover additional regulatory and compliance costs required by local laws, like worker protections or city-mandated minimum earnings for drivers.

How can I get free delivery on these apps? 

New users get free delivery on the first order on both platforms. 

After that, look for restaurants offering "$0 delivery" (marked in the app). 

Using subscriptions (DashPass or Grubhub+) will give you free delivery on eligible orders, and promotional codes occasionally waive the delivery fee.