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.
Make Hardee's and Steak 'n Shake 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.
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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.