Hardee's vs Steak 'n Shake: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Hardee's is the cheaper of the two. Of the 5 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Hardee's is cheaper on 5 of them, by an average of $0.50 per item.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
Hardee's
- Two-biscuit breakfast deals on the app often cost about $5, roughly $2 below menu price.
- The Sausage Biscuit at about $2.79 is one of the cheapest filling breakfasts at any national chain.
- Hardee's app rewards give points on every order and a free biscuit or burger offer for new members.
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.
Hardee's vs Steak 'n Shake — FAQ
Is Hardee's cheaper than Steak 'n Shake in 2026?
Hardee's is cheaper on most matched items — 5 of 5. Across the whole menu Hardee's is the lower-priced of the two, at $4.99 for a typical item against $5.79 at Steak 'n Shake.
What is the price difference between Hardee's and Steak 'n Shake?
On matched items the average difference is $0.50, or about 15% overall. Hardee's averages $4.96 across 26 priced items; Steak 'n Shake averages $5.84 across 44.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Hardee's or Steak 'n Shake?
Hardee's starts at $2.29 (Hash Rounds (medium)) 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.