Dairy Queen vs Portillo's: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Dairy Queen is the cheaper of the two. Of the 6 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Dairy Queen is cheaper on 6 of them, by an average of $2.10 per item.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
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.
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.
Dairy Queen vs Portillo's — FAQ
Is Dairy Queen cheaper than Portillo's in 2026?
Dairy Queen is cheaper on most matched items — 6 of 6. Across the whole menu Dairy Queen is the lower-priced of the two, at $5.00 for a typical item against $9.29 at Portillo's.
What is the price difference between Dairy Queen and Portillo's?
On matched items the average difference is $2.10, or about 51% overall. Dairy Queen averages $6.86 across 42 priced items; Portillo's averages $14.10 across 40.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Dairy Queen or Portillo's?
Dairy Queen starts at $2.29 (Dilly Bar) 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.