Dairy Queen vs Steak 'n Shake: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Dairy Queen is the cheaper of the two. Of the 9 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Dairy Queen is cheaper on 8 of them, by an average of $0.50 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.
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.
Dairy Queen vs Steak 'n Shake — FAQ
Is Dairy Queen cheaper than Steak 'n Shake in 2026?
Dairy Queen is cheaper on most matched items — 8 of 9. Across the whole menu Dairy Queen is the lower-priced of the two, at $5.00 for a typical item against $5.79 at Steak 'n Shake.
What is the price difference between Dairy Queen and Steak 'n Shake?
On matched items the average difference is $0.50, or about 15% overall. Dairy Queen averages $6.86 across 42 priced items; Steak 'n Shake averages $5.84 across 44.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Dairy Queen or Steak 'n Shake?
Dairy Queen starts at $2.29 (Dilly Bar) 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.