Head to head ยท Updated 2026-05-31

Grubhub vs DoorDash: Which Food Delivery App Is Cheaper?

Both apps stack a delivery fee, a service fee, menu markups and a tip on top of the food. The cheaper one depends on your city, the restaurant and which subscription you carry.

Grubhub and DoorDash both add several layers of cost on top of the food itself - a delivery fee, a percentage-based service fee, frequent in-app menu markups, and a tip - so the all-in total is what matters, not the listed item price. DoorDash has the larger US footprint and restaurant selection, while Grubhub is strong in certain metro markets and bundles a Grubhub+ benefit through some partnerships. On any given order the cheaper app flips based on fees, promos and which subscription you hold.

Grubhub vs DoorDash: side by side

 GrubhubDoorDash
Delivery & service feesCharges a delivery fee plus a percentage service fee; totals vary by restaurant and distance, and promos frequently waive the delivery fee.Similar structure - delivery fee plus service fee that scales with order size; surge-style pricing can push fees up at peak times.
Menu markupsMany restaurants price items above their in-store menu on the app; the markup varies by restaurant.Also commonly marks up menu prices versus dine-in, with the size of the markup differing by restaurant.
Selection & coverageStrong in specific metro markets but a smaller national restaurant network overall.The largest US coverage and restaurant selection, plus grocery and convenience delivery in many areas.
SubscriptionGrubhub+ waives delivery fees and lowers service fees on eligible orders; sometimes included free via partner memberships.DashPass waives delivery fees and reduces service fees above an order minimum on eligible restaurants.
Best forShoppers in markets where Grubhub has strong restaurant coverage, or who get Grubhub+ bundled through a partner.Shoppers who want the widest selection and coverage, plus grocery delivery, and who order enough to justify DashPass.

The verdict

Neither app is reliably cheaper - both layer comparable delivery fees, service fees and menu markups onto the food, so the winner depends on your city, the specific restaurant's markup, and active promos. DoorDash usually wins on selection and coverage; Grubhub can be cheaper where it has strong local partnerships or when Grubhub+ comes bundled free. If you order often, the matching subscription (DashPass or Grubhub+) does more to cut costs than the app choice. Compare the all-in total for your exact order before checking out.

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Why the listed price isn't the real price

On both Grubhub and DoorDash, the food is only the starting point. Each order typically adds a delivery fee, a percentage-based service fee, a possible small-order fee, and a tip, and many restaurants set higher menu prices in the app than they charge in-store. Those layers can add a significant share to a modest food order, and they're weighted differently between the two apps depending on the restaurant and your location.

Subscriptions change the math the most. Grubhub+ and DashPass both waive delivery fees and reduce service fees on eligible orders above a minimum, so a frequent user's cheapest app is often simply whichever subscription they already pay for. For an occasional order, comparing the full checkout total on both apps - and against ordering pickup directly from the restaurant - is the only way to know which is cheaper that day. FindPrices can help you sanity-check costs as you shop.

Frequently asked questions

Is Grubhub or DoorDash cheaper?

Neither is consistently cheaper. Both add similar delivery fees, service fees and menu markups, so the lower total depends on the restaurant, your location and current promotions. Comparing the full checkout total on both apps for the same order is the only reliable way to tell.

Why is delivery so much more than the menu price?

Both apps stack a delivery fee, a percentage service fee, possible small-order fees and a tip on top of the food, and many restaurants raise their in-app menu prices above dine-in. Together these layers can add a large share to the food cost.

Is Grubhub+ or DashPass worth it?

If you order frequently, the matching subscription usually pays for itself by waiving delivery fees and cutting service fees on eligible orders above a minimum. For occasional users, the monthly cost often outweighs the savings, so it depends on how often you order.

Which app has more restaurants?

DoorDash has the larger national footprint and restaurant selection, plus grocery and convenience delivery in many areas. Grubhub can have strong coverage in specific metro markets, so the better-stocked app depends on where you live.

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