Full Breakdown
NetCredit Study Finds Little Caesars Cheapest Chain and Highlights Affordable U.S. Pizza Cities
6/18/2026, 10:53:08 PM
Core Findings: Cheapest Chain and City Prices
NetCredit’s 2026 U.S. Pizza Index examined medium-size cheese pizzas from ten national chains in 180 cities, using GrubHub and DoorDash listings. Little Caesars posted the lowest average price at $10.27, roughly 46 % cheaper than Domino’s ($19.33) and Pizza Hut ($19.00). City-level averages placed Houston, Texas, at the bottom of the cost curve with $14.42 per pie; Charlotte, North Carolina, followed at $14.50, and Raleigh at $14.95. The most expensive markets were San Diego ($20.76), San Jose ($20.02) and Los Angeles ($19.84).
Methodology and Scope
The analysis captured delivery-platform prices for a medium cheese pizza at each chain, then calculated city-wide averages. NetCredit selected the 180 largest U.S. cities, including the top 100 and the three most populous cities in every state, to ensure geographic breadth. Prices were aggregated across both GrubHub and DoorDash before averaging.
Chain Rankings and Price Data
- Little Caesars – $10.27
- Papa Murphy’s – $12.38
- Mod Pizza – $12.45
- Hungry Howie’s – $16.46
- Papa John’s – $16.65
- Marco’s Pizza – $17.54
- Pizza Hut – $19.00
- Domino’s – $19.33
- Godfather’s Pizza – $20.03
- Chuck E. Cheese – $20.33 (reported as $20.23 in a separate source)
City Rankings and Regional Insights
Top ten cheapest cities (average <= $15):
1. Houston, TX – $14.42
2. Charlotte, NC – $14.50
3. Austin, TX – $14.64
4. St. Louis, MO – $14.66
5. Atlanta, GA – $14.82
6. Grand Rapids, MI – $14.83
7. Tulsa, OK – $14.85
8. Kansas City, MO – $14.91
9. Raleigh, NC – $14.95
10. Fort Worth, TX – $14.99
Most expensive cities: San Diego, CA ($20.76); San Jose, CA ($20.02); Los Angeles, CA ($19.84). State-level cheapest averages were Indiana ($13.95), Alabama ($14.04) and Michigan ($14.32).
Local Analyses: Triangle and Charlotte Spotlights
The News & Observer’s 2025 “Triangle Pizza Index” surveyed 97 local pizzerias across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Cary, ranking them by price per square inch. Big Cheese Pizza & Wings emerged as the only venue offering a large pizza under $10, with an 18-inch pie priced at $9.99. CharlotteFive highlighted Pizza Baby, which earned a #41 spot in the national Top 50 list; co-founder Steven De Falco emphasized the restaurant’s community focus.
Official Statements & Responses
NetCredit finance analyst Matt Pelkey explained the study’s premise, noting that a medium cheese pizza provides a simple benchmark for comparing chain affordability. Charlotte’s Pizza Baby co-founder Steven De Falco reiterated the pizzeria’s mission to serve the local community.
Criticism & Limitations
Analysts note that the NetCredit index excludes independent pizzerias, which often differ markedly in price and quality. Reliance on delivery-platform listings may not reflect in-store pricing or promotional discounts, and price fluctuations can occur daily. The study’s focus on a single pizza size also limits insight into larger-family-size economics.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Two sources list different average prices for Chuck E. Cheese: $20.33 versus $20.23, indicating minor data-collection variance. The index does not track temporal price trends, leaving a gap in understanding how inflation or supply-chain issues affect pizza costs over time.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Whether ordering a plain cheese or not, comparing the cost of a medium cheese pizza is a simple way to index the relative affordability of an order from one of the big pizza chains around the country,” — Matt Pelkey, finance expert, NetCredit
- “We’re here to cook and bake for Charlotte and serve the community,” — Steven De Falco, co-founder, Pizza Baby
- “We just love opening our doors for the Queen City — for everyone. It brings us pure joy to do so, to host everyone.” — Steven De Falco, co-founder, Pizza Baby
Implications for Consumers
The index highlights that budget-conscious diners can save up to $9 on a medium cheese pizza by choosing Little Caesars over premium chains. City-level rankings help consumers identify markets where pizza remains affordable, while local analyses demonstrate that larger-size pies often deliver better value per inch.
What’s Next
NetCredit plans to release an updated Pizza Index in 2027, potentially expanding coverage to include specialty toppings and seasonal promotions. Regional publications intend to continue tracking price-per-square-inch metrics for independent pizzerias, offering a complementary view of the market.
