Culver's vs Steak 'n Shake: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Steak 'n Shake is the cheaper of the two. Of the 8 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Steak 'n Shake is cheaper on 7 of them, by an average of $1.80 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.
Steak 'n Shake
- Most locations run half-price milkshakes in the afternoon — typically after 2:00 PM — which takes a $5.29 shake down to about $2.65.
- Ordering at the in-store kiosk rather than through delivery avoids the platform markup, which at Steak 'n Shake is steep.
- A double Steakburger combo at $10.59 includes two patties, fries and a drink — competitive with single-patty combos elsewhere.
Culver's vs Steak 'n Shake — FAQ
Is Culver's cheaper than Steak 'n Shake in 2026?
Steak 'n Shake is cheaper on most matched items — 7 of 8. Across the whole menu Steak 'n Shake is the lower-priced of the two, at $5.79 for a typical item against $8.29 at Culver's.
What is the price difference between Culver's and Steak 'n Shake?
On matched items the average difference is $1.80, or about 29% overall. Culver's averages $8.19 across 42 priced items; Steak 'n Shake averages $5.84 across 44.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Culver's or Steak 'n Shake?
Culver's starts at $2.79 (Fountain Drink (regular)) and Steak 'n Shake at $2.29 (Coffee).
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.