HOUSTON — A study by Bovada Sportsbook found that Houston ranks as the third most expensive city in the United States for takeout chicken wings ahead of the FIFA World Cup, with customers paying an average of $18.03 for an order of eight wings. The report, released as fans prepare to gather at restaurants, sports bars, and watch parties during the tournament, compared wing prices in cities nationwide.
The study ranked New York City first at $19.14 per eight-wing order, followed by San Francisco at $18.66. Houston placed third at $18.03, or about $2.25 per wing.
According to the report, the 10 most expensive cities for takeout chicken wings are:
- New York City — $19.14
- San Francisco — $18.66
- Houston — $18.03
- Denver — $17.66
- Miami — $17.25
- Colorado Springs — $17.11
- Virginia Beach — $17.00
- San Antonio — $16.43
- Los Angeles — $16.32
- Seattle — $16.20
The report identified Atlanta as the least expensive city for wings, with customers paying an average of $11.53 for eight wings. The price was nearly $6.50 lower than Houston’s average.
San Antonio ranked eighth nationwide for wing prices at $16.43 per order. Meanwhile, El Paso ranked among the country’s more affordable cities for wings, averaging $12.95 per order.
The study also examined cheeseburger prices and found Houston ranked eighth most expensive in the country, with an average price of $14.73. New York City recorded the highest burger price at $17.27, while Oklahoma City had the lowest average at $8.99.
In the pizza category, El Paso ranked as the least expensive city for takeout pizza, with large cheese pizzas averaging $14.54. Fort Worth and Dallas also ranked among the 10 least expensive cities for pizza.
The report said chicken wing prices have fluctuated in recent years because of inflation, labor costs, supply chain challenges, and increased demand during major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, and March Madness.
