Culver's vs Portillo's: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Culver's is the cheaper of the two. Of the 8 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Culver's is cheaper on 5 of them, by an average of $1.64 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.
Portillo's
- Ordering the beef dipped, wet or dry costs nothing extra — the preparation is free, so ask for what you actually want.
- Italian Beef family packs at $59.99 feed four to six for roughly the price of five individual sandwiches with sides.
- Portillo's ships nationwide, so the chocolate cake and Italian beef kits are available outside the chain's footprint.
Culver's vs Portillo's — FAQ
Is Culver's cheaper than Portillo's in 2026?
Culver's is cheaper on most matched items — 5 of 8. Across the whole menu Culver's is the lower-priced of the two, at $8.29 for a typical item against $9.29 at Portillo's.
What is the price difference between Culver's and Portillo's?
On matched items the average difference is $1.64, or about 42% overall. Culver's averages $8.19 across 42 priced items; Portillo's averages $14.10 across 40.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Culver's or Portillo's?
Culver's starts at $2.79 (Fountain Drink (regular)) and Portillo's at $3.79 (Fries (regular)).
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.