Walmart and Aldi are known for can’t-miss deals on everyday essentials, groceries, and more. But which of these stores has the best bargains?
You can save money on groceries with a few smart shopping hacks. That means choosing the most affordable retailer.
We compared prices on everything from milk and eggs to frozen foods at Walmart and Aldi. And here’s which pick had the lowest prices in this head-to-head grocery battle.
Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today
One dozen eggs
Walmart: $1.82
Aldi: $3.39
The price of eggs skyrocketed in 2023. Even though the cost of a dozen decreased in 2024, it’s still significantly higher than what you would have paid a decade ago, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.
While Walmart’s price per dozen reflects this change, Aldi’s does not. So, if you’re into omelets, Walmart is the place to shop.
One gallon of 2% milk
Walmart: $4.40
Aldi: $4.78
Like eggs, the price of milk fluctuates with changes in the economy. But you won’t pay much more to buy this fridge staple at one store over the other.
Aldi does have a higher price for this product. However, the $0.38 difference may not affect your decision on where to shop.
Unsalted butter
Walmart: $4.26 for four sticks
Aldi: $4.39 for four sticks
Butter is an everyday essential for baking cookies, flavoring your favorite recipe, or smearing on toast. Each retailer sells a store-generic four-stick carton totaling one pound of butter.
If you’re looking for significant savings, you won’t find it at either store. Both Walmart and Aldi’s unsalted butter tops the $4 mark.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Honeycrisp apples
Walmart: $5.36 for a three-pound bag
Aldi: $2.99 for a two-pound bag
Apples to apples, Aldi comes out slightly ahead of Walmart’s price. The two retailers sell different size bulk bags, making it necessary to calculate the price per pound before declaring a winner.
At these prices, Walmart charges $1.78/pound for the Honeycrisps. Aldi’s $1.49/pound cost is slightly lower. Either way, you’re getting a bargain on this fall fruit.
Bagged spinach
Walmart: $1.98 for 10 ounces
Aldi: $1.65 for eight ounces
Walmart’s Marketside store-brand bagged spinach sells for a slightly higher price than what you’ll pay at Aldi.
But before you pick up a bag from Aldi’s generic Little Salad Bar brand, look at the sizes. You’ll only get eight ounces from Aldi, compared to 10 ounces from Walmart.
Trending Stories
Butter Pecan ice cream
Walmart: $2.78
Aldi: $3.05
Treat yourself to a decadent dessert for less. Both brands have a rich, buttery taste that pairs perfectly with fall faves like pumpkin pie, spiced apple cake, and cinnamon rolls.
Walmart’s Great Value generic is slightly less than Aldi’s Sundae Shoppe. But the same 48-ounce size of brand-name Breyer’s sells for $4.67.
Canned corn
Walmart: $0.64 for 15 ounces
Aldi: $0.69 for 15.25 ounces
These products are picked and packaged on the same day and made without added chemicals. Aldi’s 15.25-ounce Happy Harvest can is slightly larger than what you’ll get from Walmart’s Great Value.
But that doesn’t make up for the slight price difference. Overall, each store’s option is affordable, healthy, and easy to prepare.
French Vanilla coffee creamer
Walmart: $2.78 for 32 ounces
Aldi: $2.99 for 32 ounce
Flavor your coffee for less. Carista blends from Starbucks and other similar stores add up. Save money and brew a flavorful cup of joe at home. If you want to add a touch of vanilla, you will spend less at Walmart.
Penne pasta
Walmart: $0.99 for 16 ounces
Aldi: $1.09 for 16 ounces
This pantry staple is a budget-friendly way to make dinner for the whole family. Each brand’s box includes one pound of pasta.
Serve the penne with traditional tomato sauce or spice things up for the fall, and try a pumpkin-packed pick instead. Aldi has a seasonal Pumpkin and Chipotle Pasta Sauce right now.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!2
Olive oil
Walmart: $6.64 for 17 ounces
Aldi: $7.25 for 16.9 ounces
Make a marinade, flavor homemade spaghetti sauce, or dip thick-cut Italian bread into either of these classic olive oil options. Each store’s generic combines high-quality and low-cost — but Walmart is the winner when it comes to price per ounce.
Oat cereal
Walmart: $1.67 for a 12-ounce box
Aldi: $1.85 for a 12-ounce box
Cheerios cost over $4.75 for a 12-ounce box. And while you’ll save money on this classic cereal by choosing either Walmart’s or Aldi’s generic versions, the Great Value brand beats Millville’s price.
Chocolate chip cookies
Walmart: $3.24
Aldi: $2.75
Both stores sell dupes of Chips Ahoy! chocolate chip cookies. The brand-name version sells for $3.88, while Walmart’s Great Value generic costs $3.24. The same 13-ounce pack of Aldi’s Benton sweets has the lowest price, at $2.75.
Blueberry muffins
Walmart: $3.98 for four
Aldi: $4.35 for four
You don’t have to pay bakery prices for this breakfast treat. Pick up a pack of Walmart’s Marketside blueberry muffins for less than $4. Aldi’s Bake Shop version costs slightly more for the same size four-count.
Bottled water
Walmart: $3.64 for 24
Aldi: $3.65 for 24
A reusable water bottle is the easiest way to save on the price of water. But if you need to buy single-use bottles, a 24-pack of 16.9-ounce bottles is a steal at Walmart and Aldi.
A one-cent price difference makes neither bargain buy a clear winner. If you’re already shopping at one of the stores, don’t waste gas money driving to the other for this product.
And the winner is…
You can save some serious cash at either of these stores. Compared to name-brands, Walmart’s and Aldi’s generics come out ahead. But if you’re not sure which one to choose, here’s the grand total:
- Walmart: $44.18
- Aldi: $46.85
Walmart is $2.67 less than Aldi for the same shopping list of items — and you’ll get one pound more of Honeycrisp apples for this price.
Bottom line
Budget-friendly retailers like Walmart and Aldi can save you money on groceries. While both stores have affordable options and generics to help you keep cash in your wallet, you need to know which store has the best prices.
Whether you fill your cart at Walmart or Aldi, the best cash back credit cards can add to your overall savings. Score perks, points, and rewards on eligible purchases.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.