Delivery vs. Pickup Calculator
Is paying for delivery actually worth it? Enter your order details to find out the true cost of delivery vs. picking it up yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is food delivery worth the extra cost?
It depends on your time value. If you earn $40/hour and pickup takes 30 minutes round trip, your time cost is $20. If delivery fees total $12, delivery is actually cheaper when you factor in your time. For lower-wage earners or short drives, pickup wins.
How much extra does food delivery cost?
On top of your food total, expect: $2–$8 delivery fee, $2–$5 service fee (often percentage-based), 15–20% tip, and occasional surge pricing. Total added cost is typically $8–$20+ per order, or 20–50% on top of a $40 food order.
Is DoorDash DashPass or Grubhub+ worth it?
At $9.99/month, DashPass pays off if you order at least 3–4 times per month and the delivery fee waiver saves you $3+ per order. If you order weekly and pay $4–$5 in fees, DashPass saves $50–$100/year. Less frequent orderers won't break even.
What is the cheapest food delivery app?
Prices vary by restaurant and location, but DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub are generally comparable. Ordering directly from restaurants (many now have their own apps) avoids the service fee markup that third-party platforms charge.
Does delivery have hidden fees?
Yes. The 'service fee' (often 10–15% of order) is charged by the platform on top of the delivery fee. Some apps also add a 'small order fee' for orders under $10–$15. Always check the total before confirming — it can easily be 30–50% above the menu price.