Subway has long been a staple in the fast-food industry, known for its “Eat Fresh” slogan and the iconic footlong sub. However, if you haven’t stepped into a shop recently, you might find that the days of the simple 5 dollar footlong are a distant memory. In 2026, navigating the menu requires a bit more strategy, as prices have shifted significantly due to inflation, regional demand, and a complete overhaul of their menu structure.
When people ask how much is Subway sandwiches, the answer varies based on whether you are looking for a classic build-your-own option, a chef-inspired signature series, or a promotional deal found through the mobile app. This guide breaks down the current pricing landscape to help you plan your next lunch break without any “sticker shock” at the register.
The Evolution of Subway Pricing Structure
The most significant change in how Subway determines the price of its sandwiches is the introduction of the Subway Series. This menu features numbered, pre-designed sandwiches that are often priced higher than the traditional “Classic” menu. While you can still customize your sub, the brand has pushed toward these premium builds which include higher-quality meats and specific combinations like the “The Beast” or the “Titan Turkey.”
On average, a 6-inch sandwich in 2026 will cost you between $6.49 and $10.99. If you upgrade to a footlong, you can expect to pay anywhere from $9.49 to over $17.00 for the most protein-heavy options. The price gap between a 6-inch and a footlong has also narrowed, making the footlong a better value per square inch of bread, even if the total price seems high.
Classic Sandwiches and Entry-Level Prices
For those who prefer the basics, the Classic menu remains the most affordable way to eat at Subway. These sandwiches include the staples that made the brand famous.
The Veggie Delite remains the lowest-priced option, typically starting around $6.49 for a 6-inch and $9.49 for a footlong. Other favorites like the Cold Cut Combo and the Meatball Marinara usually follow closely behind, with footlongs often priced under $11.00 in most suburban markets.
If you move into the mid-tier classics, such as the Italian B.M.T. or the Spicy Italian, prices tend to settle in the $7.49 for a 6-inch and $9.99 for a footlong range. These prices represent the “standard” Subway experience, but they can fluctuate based on your specific city. For instance, in high-cost areas like New York City or Los Angeles, these same classics can easily cost 20 percent more.
The Subway Series and Premium Pricing
The Subway Series represents the higher end of the spectrum. These sandwiches are designed with “double cheese” or “more meat” as standard features, which is reflected in the price.
The All-American Club, which features turkey, ham, and bacon, generally starts at about $7.99 for a 6-inch and $12.99 for a footlong. If you are looking at the heavy hitters like The Beast—which contains a half-pound of meat including pepperoni, salami, turkey, ham, and roast beef—you are looking at a premium price point. A footlong version of The Beast can reach $17.89 in many markets.
Other signature options like the Garlic Roast Beef or the Titan Turkey often sit between $13.00 and $15.00 for a footlong. While these prices are a far cry from the value deals of the past, Subway argues that the increased protein content and curated ingredients justify the higher cost.
Regional Variations and the Cost of Living
One of the most confusing aspects of Subway pricing is that it is not uniform across the country. Because most Subway locations are franchises, individual owners have a degree of control over their menu pricing to account for local labor costs and rent.
In states like Texas, Illinois, and Georgia, you might find some of the most competitive pricing, where a basic footlong still sits comfortably around $10.99. However, if you find yourself in Manhattan or downtown San Francisco, that same sandwich might be listed at $14.99 or even $18.00.
Tourist locations, airports, and highway rest stops are also notorious for “markup pricing,” where a 6-inch meal deal might cost as much as a footlong does at a standard street-side location. Always check the menu board or the app before ordering if you are in a high-traffic or metropolitan area.
Saving Money with Apps and Rewards
If the standard menu prices feel too high, the best way to lower the cost is through the Subway app. In 2026, the brand has leaned heavily into digital-only promotions to drive loyalty.
Common deals found on the app include “Buy One Get One Free” (BOGO) footlongs or “Buy One Get One 50% Off.” These deals can effectively bring the price of a footlong back down to the $7.00 to $9.00 range if you are buying for two people.
Additionally, the Subway Rewards program allows you to earn “Tokens” for every dollar spent. Once you reach a certain threshold, you earn “Subway Rewards” dollars that can be applied to your order. Frequent diners often find that these small discounts add up, especially when combined with the “Meal of the Day” offers that some locations still participate in.
Meals, Sides, and the Hidden Costs
The sandwich price is often just the beginning. To turn your sub into a meal, you will need to add a drink and a side, usually chips or cookies. A standard meal upgrade in 2026 typically adds between $3.50 and $5.00 to your total.
Subway has also introduced new “Sidekicks,” such as the Footlong Cookie, Footlong Churro, and Footlong Pretzel. These items range from $2.79 for a churro to $5.99 for the footlong cookie. While they are popular additions, adding a couple of these snacks to a family order can quickly push a quick lunch over the 50 dollar mark.
Drinks have also seen a price hike. A bottled soda or a large fountain drink can now cost nearly $3.50, making water or bringing your own drink a viable way to keep the cost of your Subway visit under control.
No Bready Bowls and Wraps
For those avoiding bread, Subway offers “No Bready Bowls” and salads. Interestingly, these are often priced similarly to the footlong version of the same sandwich. For example, a Steak and Cheese bowl will typically cost around $13.19 to $16.19.
Wraps are another alternative, though they are usually priced at a premium compared to the 6-inch sub. Because wraps use a 12-inch tortilla and are often loaded with a footlong portion of meat, their price usually mirrors the footlong sandwich prices rather than the 6-inch ones.
Final Thoughts on Subway Value
In 2026, Subway has transitioned from a budget-friendly “value” leader to a mid-range fast-casual competitor. While you can still find a meal for under $10.00 if you stick to the 6-inch Veggie Delite and a cup of water, a standard meat-based footlong meal will likely cost closer to $15.00 to $20.00.
To get the best value, savvy customers should focus on using the mobile app, looking for BOGO deals, and choosing from the Classic menu rather than the Series menu unless they specifically want the extra meat and cheese. Understanding these price points ensures that you can still enjoy your favorite sub without breaking your weekly food budget.
FAQs
What is the average price of a Subway footlong in 2026?
The average price of a footlong sandwich currently ranges from $9.49 for basic options like the Veggie Delite to $17.89 for premium Subway Series options like The Beast. Most popular meat-based footlongs, such as the Turkey Breast or Italian B.M.T., fall between $10.00 and $13.00 depending on the location.
Does Subway still offer the 5 dollar footlong deal?
No, the 5 dollar footlong deal is no longer a permanent part of the Subway menu. It was phased out years ago due to rising costs for ingredients and labor. However, you can occasionally find “limited time” digital coupons on the Subway app that allow you to get a footlong for around $6.99 or $7.99 when buying through the app with a specific promo code.
Why are Subway prices different at different locations?
Subway is a franchise-based business, meaning individual store owners set their own prices based on their specific operating costs. Owners in areas with higher rent, higher minimum wages, or higher shipping costs for supplies must charge more to remain profitable. This is why a sandwich in a small town in the Midwest is significantly cheaper than one in the middle of Manhattan.
Are the Subway Series sandwiches more expensive than build-your-own?
Generally, yes. The Subway Series sandwiches are designed as premium offerings and often include double cheese or specific portions of higher-end meats. Because they are marketed as “chef-inspired” and often contain more total ingredients than a standard build-your-own sub, they carry a price tag that is typically $2.00 to $4.00 higher than the classic versions.
How much does it cost to make a Subway sandwich a meal?
Adding a meal deal to your sandwich usually costs between $3.50 and $5.00. This typically includes a 20-ounce fountain drink and your choice of a side, which is usually a bag of chips or two cookies. Some locations also offer a premium meal deal that includes the newer “Footlong Sidekicks” like the cookie or pretzel for an additional charge.