Steak 'n Shake vs Whataburger: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Whataburger is the cheaper of the two. Of the 9 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Whataburger is cheaper on 5 of them, by an average of $0.27 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.
Whataburger
- The Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit at $3.99 is the best price-to-satisfaction item on the entire menu — and it is available for twelve hours a day.
- Whataburger Rewards in the app runs frequent free-item offers and points on every order.
- Ordering a Whataburger Jr. at $3.19 instead of the full Whataburger saves over $3 for a similar build at smaller size.
Steak 'n Shake vs Whataburger — FAQ
Is Steak 'n Shake cheaper than Whataburger in 2026?
Whataburger is cheaper on most matched items — 5 of 9. Across the whole menu Whataburger is the lower-priced of the two, at $5.49 for a typical item against $5.79 at Steak 'n Shake.
What is the price difference between Steak 'n Shake and Whataburger?
On matched items the average difference is $0.27, or about 15% overall. Steak 'n Shake averages $5.84 across 44 priced items; Whataburger averages $6.87 across 44.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Steak 'n Shake or Whataburger?
Steak 'n Shake starts at $2.29 (Coffee) and Whataburger at $1.99 (Apple Slices).
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.