HOUSTON – As the FIFA World Cup kicks off soon, Houston soccer fans may want to budget a little extra for their game-day food orders.
A new study from Bovada Sportsbook found that Houston ranks as the third most expensive city in the United States for takeout chicken wings, with fans paying an average of $18.03 for an eight-wing order, or about $2.25 per wing.
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Only New York City and San Francisco were more expensive.
The findings come as millions of Americans are expected to gather at sports bars, restaurants, and home watch parties throughout the tournament, driving up demand for popular takeout foods like wings, pizza, and burgers.
Houston among most expensive cities for wings
According to the report, these are the 10 most expensive cities in America for chicken wings:
- New York City: $19.14 per eight wings
- 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
Houston’s prices were significantly higher than the national bargain cities. In Atlanta, the cheapest city for wings in the study, customers paid just $11.53 for eight wings, nearly $6.50 less than Houston.
San Antonio also landed in the top 10 most expensive cities for wings, ranking eighth nationwide with an average cost of $16.43 per order.
Meanwhile, El Paso stood out as one of the country’s most affordable cities for takeout wings, averaging just $12.95 for eight wings.
Houston burger prices also rank among the nation’s highest
The study also revealed Houston residents are paying premium prices for burgers.
Houston ranked eighth most expensive in the nation for cheeseburgers, with an average price of $14.73.
New York City topped the burger rankings at $17.27, while Oklahoma City had the cheapest burgers at just $8.99.
Texas cities split between pricey and affordable takeout
While Houston and San Antonio ranked high for wing prices, Texas cities performed much better in the pizza category.
El Paso was named the cheapest city in America for takeout pizza, with large cheese pizzas averaging just $14.54.
Fort Worth and Dallas also landed among the 10 most affordable pizza cities nationwide.
The study suggests Texas diners are seeing sharp price differences depending on the type of takeout food they order.
Why are wings so expensive?
Chicken wing prices have remained volatile in recent years due to inflation, labor costs, food supply challenges, and high demand during sporting events.
Wings are especially popular during major sports tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and March Madness, often causing prices to spike at restaurants and delivery services.
The study analyzed menu prices from DoorDash listings at five takeout restaurants in each of the 50 most populated U.S. cities during April 2026. Prices did not include taxes, delivery fees, or tips.