Chipotle burritos may taste the same across the US – but they aren’t priced equally.
The Chipotle Index, created by Michael Mattheakis, a computer science student at the University of Michigan, allows you to compare the cost of a chicken burrito at your local store to prices nationwide.
For example, a burrito from New York’s Financial District – home to the most expensive Chipotle in the country – costs a whopping $8.68.
Meanwhile, in Conway, Arkansas, you can buy the same burrito for just $6.90.
"The biggest factors tended to be rent, labor costs, and taxes," Mattheakis told Business Insider. "So dense cities tend to be a few dollars more for a burrito. But places that aren't as densely populated (e.g Silicon Valley suburbs), but have a higher cost of living, have just as expensive prices."
Mattheakis collected data through Chipotle's online ordering system, which lists the chain's menu and pricing information for each location.
"When I was visiting a new city and went to a Chipotle, I noticed that the prices were minutely different. I started wondering what the prices looked like across the country, and how they were decided," said Mattheakis. "I've been programming for around five years now, and I love how it gives you the ability to make products that you can share with the world."