Jack in the Box vs Steak 'n Shake: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Jack in the Box is the cheaper of the two. Of the 12 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Jack in the Box is cheaper on 7 of them, by an average of $0.63 per item.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
Jack in the Box
- Two tacos for $1.79 is the cheapest hot food at any major chain, and they are available 24 hours a day.
- The Munchie Meal at $12.49 bundles an entree, two sides, two tacos and a drink — roughly $5 less than buying the same items separately.
- Breakfast is served all day, so a $3.29 Breakfast Jack works as a cheap dinner.
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.
Jack in the Box vs Steak 'n Shake — FAQ
Is Jack in the Box cheaper than Steak 'n Shake in 2026?
Jack in the Box is cheaper on most matched items — 7 of 12. Across the whole menu Jack in the Box 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 Jack in the Box and Steak 'n Shake?
On matched items the average difference is $0.63, or about 15% overall. Jack in the Box averages $4.94 across 44 priced items; Steak 'n Shake averages $5.84 across 44.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Jack in the Box or Steak 'n Shake?
Jack in the Box starts at $1.79 (Two Tacos) 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.