Domino's Pizza vs Papa John's: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Neither chain is clearly cheaper. Across the 7 comparable items, the two split the wins evenly, with an average gap of $0.74 per item — which one costs you less comes down to what you order.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
Domino's Pizza
- Carryout costs $4 less than delivery on the same large pizza — the single biggest saving on the menu.
- Mix & Match at $6.99 per item when you order two or more beats every individual board price on pizzas, bread, pasta and chicken.
- Domino's Rewards gives a free medium two-topping pizza at 60 points, earned at 10 points per $10 order — roughly a free pizza every six orders.
Papa John's
- Papa Pairs at $6.99 per item on two or more items undercuts every board price on the menu, including large pizzas.
- The large two-topping carryout deal at $9.99 saves $6 over the board price for the same pizza — never order carryout at menu price.
- Every pizza includes a garlic sauce cup at no charge; extra cups are $0.75 and are the cheapest way to make a cheap pizza better.
Domino's Pizza vs Papa John's — FAQ
Is Domino's Pizza cheaper than Papa John's in 2026?
They are close. Across 7 matched items the two chains split the result evenly, with an average difference of only $0.74 per item.
What is the price difference between Domino's Pizza and Papa John's?
On matched items the average difference is $0.74, or about 10% overall. Domino's Pizza averages $9.88 across 40 priced items; Papa John's averages $10.97 across 33.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Domino's Pizza or Papa John's?
Domino's Pizza starts at $2.29 (20 oz Bottle) and Papa John's at $2.29 (20 oz Bottle).
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.