Culver's vs Dairy Queen: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Dairy Queen is the cheaper of the two. Of the 7 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Dairy Queen is cheaper on 7 of them, by an average of $2.56 per item.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
Culver's
- Kids meals include a scoop of frozen custard at no extra charge — an unusual inclusion that adds about $3.79 of value.
- Buy custard by the pint or quart to go: a quart at $11.99 is roughly half the per-ounce cost of individual scoops.
- Culver's e-club sends a free-item coupon on signup and again on your birthday.
Dairy Queen
- The $7 Meal Deal includes a mini Blizzard alongside a sandwich, fries and a drink — the Blizzard alone is normally $3.99.
- A Dilly Bar at $2.29 is the cheapest branded frozen treat at any national chain and has been on the menu since 1955.
- A mini Blizzard at $3.99 is $1.60 less than a medium for about two thirds the volume — the mini is the sensible size for one person.
Culver's vs Dairy Queen — FAQ
Is Culver's cheaper than Dairy Queen in 2026?
Dairy Queen is cheaper on most matched items — 7 of 7. Across the whole menu Dairy Queen is the lower-priced of the two, at $5.00 for a typical item against $8.29 at Culver's.
What is the price difference between Culver's and Dairy Queen?
On matched items the average difference is $2.56, or about 16% overall. Culver's averages $8.19 across 42 priced items; Dairy Queen averages $6.86 across 42.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Culver's or Dairy Queen?
Culver's starts at $2.79 (Fountain Drink (regular)) and Dairy Queen at $2.29 (Dilly Bar).
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.