Key takeaways
- Vegetable or cheese-based sandwiches: approximately $6–$8 for a 6-inch and $10–$14 for a Footlong.
- Ham, turkey, tuna, or similar standard proteins: approximately $7–$9 for a 6-inch and $11–$16 for a Footlong.
- Chicken sandwiches: approximately $8–$10 for a 6-inch and $13–$18 for a Footlong.
- Steak or other premium builds: approximately $8–$11 for a 6-inch and $14–$19 for a Footlong.
- Wraps: often priced near a 6-inch or slightly above it, commonly $8–$13.
- Salads and bowls: commonly $8–$14, with premium proteins increasing the total.
A typical Subway order costs about $6–$9 for a 6-inch sandwich, $10–$16 for a Footlong, and $11–$20 when upgraded to a meal with a drink and chips, depending on location, ingredients, and promotions.
Subway menu with prices at a glance
Subway prices are set by individual franchise locations, so the figures below are practical U.S. estimates for 2026 rather than a single national price list. Higher-cost cities, airports, universities, and highway locations may charge more, while app offers and local promotions can reduce the total.
| Menu choice | Typical portion | Typical price | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-inch sandwich | One 6-inch sub | $6–$9 | Smaller appetite or lower-cost lunch |
| Footlong sandwich | One 12-inch sub | $10–$16 | A large meal or two smaller servings |
| 6-inch meal | 6-inch sub, chips or side, fountain drink | $10–$14 | A complete individual meal |
| Footlong meal | Footlong sub, chips or side, fountain drink | $14–$20 | A filling meal with a drink |
| Wrap | One tortilla wrap with sandwich fillings | $8–$13 | People who prefer a tortilla to bread |
| Salad or protein bowl | Vegetables with meat, cheese, or another protein | $8–$14 | A bread-free option or lighter-format meal |
| Kids’ meal | Smaller sandwich or pizza, side, drink, and sometimes a small treat | $6–$10 | Children’s portions |
Sandwich sizes and the price difference
The 6-inch and Footlong options use the same basic sandwich format, but the Footlong contains twice the bread and, when prepared normally, twice the filling. A Footlong is not always exactly twice the price: locations often price it at a modest discount compared with buying two separate 6-inch sandwiches.
| Size | Approximate length | Typical base price | Approximate price per inch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-inch | 6 inches | $6–$9 | $1.00–$1.50 |
| Footlong | 12 inches | $10–$16 | $0.83–$1.33 |
For example, if a 6-inch sandwich costs $8 and a Footlong costs $13, two 6-inch sandwiches would cost $16. Choosing the Footlong saves $3 before tax. That comparison only makes sense if you will eat the extra portion soon; buying more food is not a saving if half is discarded.
Popular sandwich categories and typical prices
Prices usually depend more on the protein and local menu than on the sandwich name. Lower-cost meat or vegetable sandwiches tend to sit at the bottom of the range, while steak, chicken, bacon, and other premium-protein builds generally cost more.
- Vegetable or cheese-based sandwiches: approximately $6–$8 for a 6-inch and $10–$14 for a Footlong.
- Ham, turkey, tuna, or similar standard proteins: approximately $7–$9 for a 6-inch and $11–$16 for a Footlong.
- Chicken sandwiches: approximately $8–$10 for a 6-inch and $13–$18 for a Footlong.
- Steak or other premium builds: approximately $8–$11 for a 6-inch and $14–$19 for a Footlong.
- Wraps: often priced near a 6-inch or slightly above it, commonly $8–$13.
- Salads and bowls: commonly $8–$14, with premium proteins increasing the total.
Limited-time sandwiches can fall outside these ranges. A promotional sandwich may be cheaper than a comparable regular menu item, while a specialty ingredient or premium protein may add several dollars.
Meal upgrades, sides, and drinks
Turning a sandwich into a meal commonly adds about $3–$6. The exact upgrade depends on whether the location includes a small fountain drink and chips, and whether you choose a larger drink or a different side.
| Add-on | Typical additional cost | What can change the price |
|---|---|---|
| Chips or packaged side | $1.50–$3 | Brand, size, and local pricing |
| Fountain drink | $2–$4 | Small, regular, or large size |
| Cookie | $0.80–$2 each | Single cookie versus multipack |
| Meal upgrade | $3–$6 | Included side, drink size, and restaurant |
| Extra meat | $2–$5 | Protein type and portion policy |
| Extra cheese | $0.75–$2 | Cheese type and local pricing |
A practical calculation helps compare the choices. Suppose a 6-inch turkey sandwich is $8, a Footlong is $13, and the meal upgrade is $4. The 6-inch meal costs about $12; the Footlong meal costs about $17. If two people split the Footlong and each add a separate drink, the sandwich portion is $6.50 per person before drinks. If one person needs the full Footlong, the 6-inch meal is the cheaper choice by about $5.
How customization affects the total
Most standard vegetables, sauces, bread choices, toasting, and seasoning changes are included in the sandwich price. Costs usually appear when you request more of a paid ingredient or change the build substantially.
- Usually included: bread choice, toasted or not toasted, standard vegetables, pickles, jalapeños, olives, sauces, and seasoning.
- Often charged extra: additional meat, double cheese, bacon, avocado or guacamole, and some premium toppings.
- May vary by restaurant: extra portions of tuna, steak, specialty sauces, or ingredients supplied only at selected locations.
- Possible substitution issue: removing an ingredient generally does not lower the price, because the menu item is priced as a complete recipe rather than by individual components.
For the lowest total, choose a standard sandwich and customize the free vegetables and sauces. For a higher-protein order, check the extra-meat charge before adding it; a 6-inch with double meat can approach the cost of a Footlong without providing the same amount of bread or vegetables.
Regional and location-based price differences
There is no universal Subway price because many restaurants are independently operated. Expect noticeable differences between a suburban restaurant and a downtown, airport, hospital, college-campus, or travel-plaza location.
- City and high-rent areas: commonly at the upper end of the ranges.
- Airports and highway locations: may have higher prices and fewer promotional offers.
- Small towns and suburban areas: often closer to the lower or middle end.
- Taxes: are added according to local rules and are not included in the estimates above.
- Online and in-store menus: can show different promotions, bundles, or availability.
Before ordering a large group meal, check the selected restaurant’s current menu rather than relying on a national price estimate. The restaurant’s own checkout total is the most reliable figure for that location.
Best Subway choice by budget and appetite
| Your situation | Most practical choice | Expected spend | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spend as little as possible | 6-inch standard sandwich | $6–$9 | Avoids the meal premium and paid extras |
| Need a complete lunch | 6-inch meal | $10–$14 | Includes a side and drink without buying a large sandwich |
| Very hungry | Footlong sandwich or meal | $10–$20 | More food per order and often lower cost per inch |
| Sharing one order | Footlong, split before eating | $10–$16 | Can be less expensive than two 6-inch sandwiches |
| Avoiding bread | Salad or protein bowl | $8–$14 | Keeps the fillings while changing the format |
| Want a lighter side | Sandwich without the meal upgrade | $6–$16 | Lets you skip chips and a sugary drink |
Ways to keep a Subway order affordable
- Compare the Footlong price with the price of two 6-inch sandwiches before choosing.
- Use standard vegetables and sauces, which are generally included.
- Skip the meal upgrade if you already have a drink or side.
- Ask about the price before adding extra meat, cheese, bacon, or avocado.
- Check the exact restaurant’s menu for current bundles and promotions.
- For children or smaller appetites, consider a kids’ meal or 6-inch sandwich instead of ordering a Footlong and saving leftovers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Footlong exactly 12 inches?
It is intended to be a 12-inch sandwich, although preparation and bread shape can create small variations. The listed size is a menu measurement, not a guarantee of a perfectly measured ruler length.
Does Subway charge for extra vegetables?
Standard vegetables are usually included, but policies can differ for unusually large quantities or premium ingredients. Ask before ordering if you want several additional portions.
Are Subway prices the same everywhere?
No. Franchise pricing, regional operating costs, local taxes, restaurant type, and promotions all affect the final total.
What is the cheapest way to order?
A standard 6-inch sandwich without paid extras is usually the lowest-cost option. If you need two portions, compare the Footlong price because it may cost less than two separate 6-inch sandwiches.
