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 6 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Jack in the Box is cheaper on 5 of them, by an average of $0.22 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 — 5 of 6. 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 $0.22, 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.