In New York, prices can be shockingly high. A dirty martini costs $22, a pizza slice costs $5, and a studio in Prospect Heights costs $3,950 a month. No matter how you look at it, New Yorkers get used to the high prices… until something comes along that is so outrageously priced that it wakes everyone up and reminds us how hellishly expensive this city can be. So it was this week when someone on Reddit found a ham-and-cheese sandwich that costs $29 before taxes. Was there anything immediately apparent that would warrant such a price? Not at all. It actually looked like a fake Pret a Manger or the nicest sandwich you’d find at a La Guardia to-go counter because it was already put together and wrapped in plastic.
That’s why people who saw the post might have thought, “Is this a joke? Is this the next Balenciaga pope?” But it’s not a joke. In fact, things only get worse with increased scrutiny. Looking again, I realized that the egg sandwich next to the $29 ham-and-cheese was priced at $24. It was also clear from the label on the package that it was a sandwich for sale at E A. T. The Upper East Side market and takeout place that has been owned by Eli Zabar for a long time and is known for its high prices
Still, $29 for a ham sandwich is nuts. That’s $1 more than Barbuto charges for a smoked-salmon pizza. The most expensive thing on Hart’s menu is the same price as this dish: seared tuna with “creamy potatoes, fennel, and salsa verde.” At S, someone could get three cheeseburgers for $29 It’s safe to assume that this could be the most expensive ham-and-cheese sandwich in America.
An already-wrapped ham sandwich could cost $30? The more I thought about it, the harder it was for me to understand. Surely Reddit had missed something, or there was some kind of mistake. I had to see this for myself, so I took the subway to Madison and 80th Street for lunch.
My eyes confirmed the $29 price to be true as well as that $24 egg salad. A salmon sandwich broke the $30 barrier. I swallowed hard and took the ham-and-cheese up to the register. “Why does this cost so much?” I casually inquired. “Because it’s two sandwiches,” the worker replied. This was something that a representative repeated when I emailed about the price, but the label on the sandwich itself clearly said “1 pc,” which quickly disproved the claim. ”.
It’s true that, within the cellophane wrapping, there were two discrete sandwich constructions. It’s also true that they could justifiably be considered “two halves. ” But let’s give E. A. T. the benefit of the doubt for a moment, because even at $14. 50 per “sandwich,” something is amiss. I have never seen a more regular-ass sandwich in my life. The ham was … fine! Same with the slices of cheese. There was mustard on it, and the “health bread” just tasted like multigrain bread with a new name. You could taste the cold from the fridge in every bite. (To be fair to the reporter in me, I also bought the $24 egg salad sandwich to see if it was any better; it needed more salt.) ).
One hand, the one that wasn’t holding a sandwich, it was nice to know I was right: this ham-and-cheese isn’t anything special. On the other hand, I was afraid that by buying the sandwich at all, I was directly supporting the pricing strategy, no matter what my reason was. Has anyone else willingly paid this much for the same sandwich? I guess they probably have. High prices are part of the deal in New York. Ripoffs don’t have to be.
A ham sandwich is a classic, tasty lunch or snack option. But ham sandwich prices can vary widely depending on where you buy it and what’s included So how much does the average ham sandwich cost? Let’s break down the pricing
Ham Sandwich Prices at Restaurants
Ordering a ham sandwich at a cafe, deli or restaurant generally costs between $4-$12 Here are typical ham sandwich prices at popular spots
- Fast food: $2-$5
- Fast casual: $6-$9
- Sit-down restaurant: $9-$12
- Upscale/gourmet: $12-$15
Prices are usually lower at fast food chains like McDonald’s or Subway. Expect to pay about $3 for a basic ham sandwich combo meal.
At fast casual places like Panera Bread or Pret a Manger, sandwiches are in the $6-$9 range based on ingredients. A classic deli-style ham and cheese runs $6-$8.
In a full-service restaurant, ham sandwiches made with premium ingredients cost $9-$12 for just the sandwich.
High-end restaurants or gourmet sandwich shops charge $12-$15 for specialty ham sandwiches with unique flavors and artisanal breads.
Deli Ham Sandwich Prices
Stopping by the deli counter for a made-to-order sandwich costs $5-$10 on average. Here are some typical deli ham sandwich prices:
- Basic ham and cheese: $5-$7
- Ham and swiss: $6-$8
- Ham club stacked high: $8-$10
- Specialty ham sandwiches: $8-$12
At major grocery store chains like Safeway or Kroger, a simple cold cut combo runs $5-$6. Toppings like cheese or veggies add $1-$2.
Independent delis often have premium meats and cheeses, boosting prices to $8-$12. Ingredients like prosciutto or fresh mozzarella take the cost to the higher end.
Packaged Ham Sandwich Prices
Pre-made packaged ham sandwiches cost $3-$7 on average. Store-prepared options include:
- Deli/supermarket sandwiches: $3-$5
- Gas station sandwiches: $3-$5
- Vending machine sandwiches: $3-$4
- Refrigerated multi-packs: $3-$4 per sandwich
- Shelf-stable individual: $2-$3
Price per sandwich drops with multi-packs at grocery stores, warehouse clubs, or online retailers. But quality also goes down.
Shelf-stable sandwiches can be budget friendly but taste like it. Refrigerated is best for flavor at just slightly higher cost.
Homemade Ham Sandwich Cost
Making ham sandwiches at home runs just $2-$4 each. Here’s a breakdown of typical ingredient costs:
Bread:
- Loaf of bread: $1-$3
- Pack of rolls: $2-$3
- Average per sandwich: $0.20-$0.60
Meat:
- Lunch meat pack (1 lb): $3-$6
- Sliced deli ham (8 oz): $3-$6
- Average per sandwich: $0.75-$1.50
Cheese:
- Sliced cheese pack (1 lb): $3-$5
- Average per sandwich: $0.30-$0.50
Condiments:
- Mayonnaise (16 oz): $2-$3
- Mustard (12 oz): $2-$3
- Lettuce (head): $1-$2
- Tomato: $0.50-$1 each
- Average per sandwich: $0.30-$0.75
Total Cost: $2.00-$4.00 per sandwich
Buying ingredients like bread, meat and cheese in bulk or larger packs reduces the price per sandwich. Making 4-6 sandwiches from one loaf of bread saves a lot versus single serve.
Tips to Save on Ham Sandwiches
Here are some ways to cut costs on ham sandwiches:
- Buy generic or store brand lunch meat
- Get day old bread marked down
- Use coupons for sliced meat and cheese
- Purchase bread and rolls on sale, freeze extras
- Buy off-brand condiments like mayo
- Use lettuce and tomato when in season
- Make extra sandwiches to pack for lunch
Avoid pre-packed ham sandwiches with processing fees. Build your own for maximum freshness and value. With smart shopping, you can enjoy a tasty ham sandwich for just a couple bucks.
Now that you know average ham sandwich prices, you can easily stay within your budget. Spend just $2-$4 to DIY at home. Or grab a deli sandwich for $5-$10 on busy days. For special occasions, indulge in a gourmet creation or intimate bistro meal for $10-$15.
Whatever you are craving, there is sure to be a ham sandwich option to fit your needs and price range!
Cost Comparison of Ham Sandwiches Across the U.S.
Ham sandwich prices can vary quite a bit depending on where you live and the local markets. Here’s a look at how ham sandwich costs compare in major cities across the U.S.
East Coast
New York City, NY
- Deli: $8-$14
- Restaurant: $12-$18
- Homemade: $4-$6
Philadelphia, PA
- Deli: $6-$10
- Restaurant: $9-$14
- Homemade: $3-$5
Washington, D.C.
- Deli: $7-$12
- Restaurant: $10-$16
- Homemade: $4-$6
Boston, MA
- Deli: $7-$13
- Restaurant: $11-$17
- Homemade: $4-$6
High costs of living in East Coast cities drive up ham sandwich prices at shops and eateries. Expect to pay $8-$15 at delis and $12-$18 for restaurant sandwiches. Basic homemade versions run $4-$6.
South
Miami, FL
- Deli: $6-$10
- Restaurant: $8-$14
- Homemade: $2-$4
Atlanta, GA
- Deli: $5-$9
- Restaurant: $7-$12
- Homemade: $2-$4
Dallas, TX
- Deli: $5-$9
- Restaurant: $8-$14
- Homemade: $2-$4
New Orleans, LA
- Deli: $6-$10
- Restaurant: $9-$15
- Homemade: $2-$4
The South offers some of the lowest priced ham sandwiches, thanks to lower living costs. Deli sandwiches run just $5-$10 while restaurant versions are $7-$15. Homemade is a bargain at $2-$4 each.
Midwest
Chicago, IL
- Deli: $6-$12
- Restaurant: $9-$16
- Homemade: $3-$5
Detroit, MI
- Deli: $5-$10
- Restaurant: $8-$14
- Homemade: $2-$4
Cleveland, OH
- Deli: $5-$9
- Restaurant: $7-$13
- Homemade: $2-$4
Kansas City, MO
- Deli: $5-$8
- Restaurant: $7-$12
- Homemade: $2-$3
Midwestern ham sandwich prices are moderate, ranging from $5-$10 at delis and $7-$15 at full service spots. Groceries are low cost, so homemade is just $2-$5 per sandwich.
West Coast
Los Angeles, CA
- Deli: $6-$12
- Restaurant: $10-$18
- Homemade: $3-$5
Seattle, WA
- Deli: $7-$13
- Restaurant: $11-$17
- Homemade: $3-$5
Portland, OR
- Deli: $6-$12
- Restaurant: $9-$16
- Homemade: $3-$5
San Francisco, CA
- Deli: $8-$15
- Restaurant: $12-$20
- Homemade: $4-$6
Like the East Coast, West Coast cities have very high ham sandwich prices because of pricey real estate and labor. Delis charge $6-$15 while restaurants range from $9-$20 for gourmet creations. Making your own runs $3-$6 per sandwich.
How Location Impacts Cost
It’s clear that location plays a major role in what you’ll pay for a ham sandwich. In expensive urban areas like NYC, LA and Chicago, deli and restaurant prices are high, while smaller cities in the South and Midwest offer better values.
But homemade ham sandwich costs stay relatively affordable across the country at
Latest News from Grub Street
This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. Enter your email:
Eat like the experts. Sign up for the Grub Street newsletter. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.
Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission.
Ham & Egg Sandwich with Costing Recipe pang Negosyo
FAQ
How much ham per person for sandwiches?
What is the $29 sandwich in New York?
How much does a ham and cheese sandwich have?
How many pieces of ham are in a sandwich?