Pizza Deals Compared: Domino’s vs Pizza Hut vs Papa John’s vs Little Caesars
Quick answer
- Cheapest large pizza: Little Caesars Classic at about $6.99.
- Best carryout deal: Domino’s large 3-topping for about $7.99.
- Best mix and match: Domino’s and Papa John’s both offer items at $6.99 each when you buy two or more.
- Best bundle for a family: Pizza Hut Big Dinner Box at about $27.99.
Pizza chains compete hard on deals, so the regular menu price is rarely what you should pay. Here is how the biggest pizza chains compare on their best current deals.
Pizza deals side by side
| Chain | Best everyday deal | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Caesars | Classic Hot-N-Ready large | About $6.99 | Ready with no wait at most stores |
| Domino’s | Large 3-topping carryout | About $7.99 | Carryout only |
| Domino’s | Mix & Match (2 or more items) | $6.99 each | Medium pizzas, pasta, wings, sides |
| Papa John’s | Large 2-topping carryout | About $9.99 | Carryout only |
| Papa John’s | Papa Pairs (2 or more items) | $6.99 each | Medium pizzas, Papadias, wings |
| Pizza Hut | Large 3-topping deal | About $10 to $12.99 | Often online only |
| Pizza Hut | $7 Deal Lover’s (2 or more) | $7 each | Choose from a deal menu |
| Pizza Hut | Big Dinner Box | About $27.99 | 2 medium pizzas, breadsticks, wings |
| Costco Food Court | Whole 18-inch pizza | $9.95 | Biggest pizza for the price |
Price per square inch
Bigger pizzas are usually better value. A 14 inch large has about 154 square inches of pizza. At about $6.99, a Little Caesars Classic costs about 4.5 cents per square inch. A Domino’s large at $7.99 is about 5.2 cents. Costco’s 18 inch pizza has about 254 square inches for $9.95, or under 4 cents per square inch, the best value of all.
Calories per slice
| Pizza (large, per slice) | Calories |
|---|---|
| Little Caesars Classic Pepperoni | About 280 |
| Domino’s Hand Tossed Pepperoni | About 295 |
| Domino’s Crunchy Thin cheese | About 210 |
| Pizza Hut Hand-Tossed Pepperoni | About 230 |
| Pizza Hut Original Stuffed Crust Pepperoni | About 290 |
| Papa John’s Pepperoni | About 320 |
Which chain should you pick?
- Lowest price, no planning: Little Caesars Hot-N-Ready.
- Custom toppings on a budget: Domino’s large 3-topping carryout.
- Mix pizza with sides or sandwiches: Domino’s Mix & Match or Papa John’s Papa Pairs.
- Feeding a group with sides: Pizza Hut Big Dinner Box.
Delivery vs carryout pricing
The best pizza deals are almost always carryout. Domino’s and Papa John’s both price their headline large pizza deals for carryout, and delivery adds a delivery charge plus a tip. Little Caesars is built around carryout and its Pizza Portal pickup stations. If you want delivery, check the chain’s own app for free delivery promos before using a third-party app.
Sides and wings compared
| Chain | Popular side | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Little Caesars | Crazy Bread (8) | About $3.49 to $3.99 |
| Domino’s | Parmesan Bread Bites (8) | About $5.99 |
| Papa John’s | Garlic Knots (8) | About $6.99 |
| Pizza Hut | Breadsticks (5) | About $5.99 |
Tips to pay less for pizza
- Order two pizzas on a mix and match deal instead of one large at menu price.
- Keep toppings to the deal limit. Extra toppings on a large can cost about $2 or more each.
- Try thin crust for fewer calories at the same price.
- Check app-only codes on Mondays and Tuesdays, when many stores push deals.
Frequently asked questions
Which pizza chain is the cheapest?
Little Caesars is usually cheapest, with a large Classic pizza for about $6.99. Costco’s 18 inch pizza for $9.95 is the best value per inch.
Is Domino’s or Pizza Hut cheaper?
Domino’s is usually cheaper. Its large 3-topping carryout deal is about $7.99, while Pizza Hut’s large 3-topping deal is about $10 to $12.99.
What is the Domino’s Mix & Match deal?
When you buy two or more eligible items, such as medium pizzas, pasta or wings, each costs $6.99.
Are carryout deals cheaper than delivery?
Yes. Most of the best pizza deals are for carryout, and delivery adds fees and a tip.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
