Five Guys vs Shake Shack: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Shake Shack is the cheaper of the two. Of the 6 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Shake Shack is cheaper on 5 of them, by an average of $2.22 per item.
Make Five Guys and Shake Shack at Home
Whichever of the two wins on price, cooking the favorites at home beats both. These are the sauces, mixes and kitchen tools that get closest to the real thing.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
Five Guys
- Order a 'little' burger unless you want two patties — it is a normal single-patty burger and saves about $2.30.
- A regular fries at $7.19 genuinely feeds two people; ordering one between two is the main way to make Five Guys affordable.
- All fifteen toppings and all milkshake mix-ins are free, so a fully loaded burger costs the same as a plain one.
Shake Shack
- Shake Shack has no combo pricing, so a ShackBurger, fries and fountain drink is simply $7.69 + $4.49 + $3.29 = $15.47 — order exactly what you want and skip the drink if you are getting a shake.
- A single-scoop custard cup at $4.69 costs $1.70 less than a shake and is the cheapest way to try the frozen custard.
- The Shack App periodically runs offers for app orders, such as free fries — check it before paying at the counter.
Five Guys vs Shake Shack — FAQ
Is Five Guys cheaper than Shake Shack in 2026?
Shake Shack is cheaper on most matched items — 5 of 6. Across the whole menu Shake Shack is the lower-priced of the two, at $6.49 for a typical item against $8.69 at Five Guys.
What is the price difference between Five Guys and Shake Shack?
On matched items the average difference is $2.22, or about 23% overall. Five Guys averages $8.82 across 29 priced items; Shake Shack averages $6.76 across 33.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Five Guys or Shake Shack?
Five Guys starts at $2.69 (Bottled Water) and Shake Shack at $2.99 (Bottled Water).
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.