DoorDash vs Uber Eats: Which Pays More in California?
I tested both platforms for 30 days in Los Angeles. Here's the real breakdown of earnings, tips, and which one actually wins.
Food delivery is one of the most popular side hustles in America, but not all platforms pay equally. I spent 30 days driving for both DoorDash and Uber Eats in Los Angeles to answer one question: which one actually pays more?
The Testing Methodology
To ensure a fair comparison, I maintained strict testing conditions:
- Same vehicle (2019 Honda Civic)
- Same geographic area (West Los Angeles)
- Same time slots (weekday evenings 5-9pm, weekend lunch/dinner rushes)
- 15 days dedicated to each platform (alternating daily)
- All expenses tracked (gas, maintenance, phone usage)
The Results: Earnings Breakdown
DoorDash
WinnerUber Eats
The Verdict
DoorDash came out ahead by $120 (14.5%) over the 30-day period. More importantly, the hourly rate was consistently higher, averaging $21.11/hr vs $18.44/hr.
Why DoorDash Paid More
1. Better Base Pay Structure
DoorDash's minimum base pay in LA was $2.50-4.00 per delivery, while Uber Eats often went as low as $2.00. Those extra dollars add up over 60+ deliveries.
2. Peak Pay Bonuses
DoorDash offered "Peak Pay" bonuses ($1.50-3.00 extra per delivery) during 70% of my shifts. Uber Eats surge pricing was less frequent and lower amounts.
3. More Transparent Order Information
DoorDash shows the full payout upfront (including estimated tip), allowing me to cherry-pick high-value orders. Uber Eats hides tip amounts above $8 until after delivery.
4. Better Order Volume
I completed 64 DoorDash deliveries vs 58 Uber Eats deliveries in the same time period. Less downtime between orders means more money per hour.
Where Uber Eats Excelled
Better App Interface
Uber Eats' navigation and overall app design is more intuitive. Finding restaurants and tracking deliveries was smoother.
Premium Restaurant Partners
Uber Eats had more upscale restaurants, which sometimes meant better tips from affluent customers (though this didn't offset the lower base pay).
Instant Cashout Available
Both platforms offer instant cashout, but Uber Eats had no limit (DoorDash caps at $1,800/day). Minor advantage for high-volume drivers.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Earnings
Regardless of which platform you choose, these strategies will boost your income:
- Multi-app: Run both apps simultaneously. Accept the best orders from either platform.
- Know your market: Wealthy neighborhoods tip better. Learn which areas are worth the drive.
- Time it right: Weekend evenings (6-9pm) and weekend brunches are peak earning times.
- Cherry-pick orders: Never accept orders below $6.50 or $1.50/mile. Your acceptance rate doesn't matter.
- Track everything: Use Stride or Everlance to log mileage for massive tax deductions (see our tax tips guide).
Regional Considerations
These results are specific to Los Angeles. Other cities may vary:
- New York City: Uber Eats dominates due to better restaurant partnerships
- Small towns: DoorDash has better coverage in rural/suburban areas
- College towns: Both perform well, but DoorDash has higher late-night demand
- Tourist destinations: Uber Eats often pays better due to premium restaurant mix
The Bottom Line
If you're in California (especially urban areas), DoorDash is the better choice for maximizing earnings. The combination of higher base pay, frequent bonuses, and transparent pricing makes it easier to earn $20+ per hour.
However, the smartest strategy is running both apps simultaneously. Accept the best orders from either platform and never sit idle waiting for pings. This "multi-apping" approach can boost your hourly rate by 20-30%.
Want to explore other gig opportunities? Check out our guide on the best gig apps for NYC workers or discover 10 side hustles that paid $500+ last month.
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