Steak 'n Shake vs Wendy's: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Wendy's is the cheaper of the two. Of the 9 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Wendy's is cheaper on 9 of them, by an average of $1.73 per item.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
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.
Wendy's
- The $5 Biggie Bag is the most complete meal for the money at any national burger chain — the four items separately run about $11.
- A junior Frosty at $1.49 is the cheapest dessert in fast food, and Wendy's regularly sells a season-long Frosty Key Tag for around $3 that gives one free junior Frosty per visit for a year.
- A small chili at $3.49 is more food per dollar than a small fries at $2.49 and is the only hot vegetable-and-protein side on a burger menu.
Steak 'n Shake vs Wendy's — FAQ
Is Steak 'n Shake cheaper than Wendy's in 2026?
Wendy's is cheaper on most matched items — 9 of 9. Across the whole menu Wendy's is the lower-priced of the two, at $4.19 for a typical item against $5.79 at Steak 'n Shake.
What is the price difference between Steak 'n Shake and Wendy's?
On matched items the average difference is $1.73, or about 15% overall. Steak 'n Shake averages $5.84 across 44 priced items; Wendy's averages $4.95 across 49.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Steak 'n Shake or Wendy's?
Steak 'n Shake starts at $2.29 (Coffee) and Wendy's at $1.49 (Frosty (junior)).
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.