Carl's Jr. vs Hardee's: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Hardee's is the cheaper of the two. Of the 12 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Hardee's is cheaper on 8 of them, by an average of $0.26 per item.
Make Carl's Jr. and Hardee's at Home
Whichever of the two wins on price, cooking the favorites at home beats both. These are the sauces, mixes and kitchen tools that get closest to the real thing.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
Carl's Jr.
- The $6 Big Carl and Famous Star combos that rotate through the app cost about $4 less than ordering the same meal at menu prices.
- My Rewards points on the Carl's Jr. app turn into free items, and new members get a free burger with their first purchase.
- The Spicy Chicken Sandwich at about $2.99 is the cheapest filling item on the menu.
Hardee's
- Two-biscuit breakfast deals on the app often cost about $5, roughly $2 below menu price.
- The Sausage Biscuit at about $2.79 is one of the cheapest filling breakfasts at any national chain.
- Hardee's app rewards give points on every order and a free biscuit or burger offer for new members.
Carl's Jr. vs Hardee's — FAQ
Is Carl's Jr. cheaper than Hardee's in 2026?
Hardee's is cheaper on most matched items — 8 of 12. Across the whole menu Hardee's is the lower-priced of the two, at $4.99 for a typical item against $5.49 at Carl's Jr..
What is the price difference between Carl's Jr. and Hardee's?
On matched items the average difference is $0.26, or about 11% overall. Carl's Jr. averages $5.58 across 27 priced items; Hardee's averages $4.96 across 26.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Carl's Jr. or Hardee's?
Carl's Jr. starts at $1.49 (Chocolate Chip Cookie) and Hardee's at $2.29 (Hash Rounds (medium)).
Are these prices the same at every location?
No. Both chains let franchise owners set prices, so figures move by a dollar or more between markets and run highest at airport, stadium and highway locations. Treat these as the typical U.S. price, not a quote.