DoorDash Vs. Uber Eats: Which Delivery App Is Cheaper?

According to Ridester's 2024 nationwide analysis, DoorDash and Uber Eats charge three main fees on top of menu prices; a delivery fee that varies based on distance and demand, a service fee, and a small-order surcharge. As of June 2024, DoorDash's service fee typically ranges from 10% to 15% of an order's subtotal, via upmenu. Meanwhile Uber Eats applies a flat 15% service fee, according to its official help page. On a $40 dinner, DoorDash will charge about $4 to $6 in service fees, while Uber Eats will charge $6. For smaller orders, DoorDash adds a $2.50 fee for order under $10, while Uber Eats charges a $3 fee when the subtotal is under $15.

Delivery fees also vary across both platforms. DoorDash typically starts at $1.99 and can go up to about $5.99, depending on the location and time of day. Uber Eats is a bit higher, from around $2.49 to $6.99, per SavingsGrove, but can be as little as $0.99 during promotions. For larger orders, DoorDash's slightly lower fee range can offer better overall value. However, the smartest move is always a quick side-by-side check across both apps before placing an order to make sure you're not paying extra, especially since you may already be wasting money by ordering takeout.

Basket tests comparing the same meals on each app show how small fees can shift which app is cheaper from city to city. SavingsGrove's 2025 side-by-side test found that DoorDash totals averaged $2 to $3 less than Uber Eats once all fees were included. However, Nashville's WSMV found the opposite result. In a May 2025 test comparing the same McDonald's meal across four apps and three Tennessee cities, DoorDash averaged $18.39 (not accounting for how much you should tip your delivery driver), while Uber Eats came to $18.74.

The takeaway is that local tax rates, distance-based delivery fees, and in-app promos can shuffle prices from one ZIP code to the next. Even within the same metro area, WSMV found a $1.35 swing between Nashville and Clarksville on identical Taco Bell orders. Furthermore, in a 2023 test, The Washington Post ordered the same meal in San Francisco across apps, with DoorDash coming in at $24.63 before tip, Uber Eats at $28.38, and in-person pickup at $22.22. Even a single coupon or local fee can push the price difference on a meal to nearly $4. 

Another price consideration is each app's subscription options. DashPass from DoorDash and Uber One from Uber both cost $9.99 a month or $96 a year, but the perks have slight differences. DashPass drops the delivery fee and lowers the service fee on every restaurant order that hits the in-app minimum, usually $12, and also works with partner grocery and retail stores. Uber One offers the same $0 delivery on eligible orders, plus up to 10% off, and 6% back in credits on Uber rides.

Independent tests show that DoorDash's DashPass easily pays for itself. A June 2025 review from Advice4Travel found it cuts $4 to $5 off each qualifying order, meaning just two average meals a month covers the $9.99 fee, while everything beyond that is pure savings. Meanwhile, Under30CEO reports that Uber One members save about $27 a month when you add up delivery discounts, credits, and ride perks. However, the Federal Trade Commission, via Washington Post, pointed to Uber's own claim of member's saving $25 a month as misleading, in an April 2025 complaint. With that said, depending on how often you order, and how much you spend on those orders, either membership can break even fairly easily.