Walmart vs. Target: We Compared 27 Household Essentials to Find Out Who Saves You More Money

You’ve probably shopped at both, but is Walmart or Target cheaper for groceries? Walmart is generally cheaper when it comes to staples like bread, peanut butter and canned goods and household items like laundry detergent. However, there are some key differences to consider before deciding where to do your regular shopping. 

The Penny Hoarder shopped at both Target and Walmart to get firsthand knowledge of prices and the overall shopping experience. For 27 grocery and household items, the raw numbers show:

• Walmart: $102.74.
• Target: $113.58.
• Difference: Walmart’s total was $10.84 less.

Target’s prices, especially when you shop strictly store brands, aren’t that much higher than Walmart’s. An extra $520 a year in your pocket (assuming you shop weekly) is nothing to sneeze at, but the smaller-than-expected difference may make you think twice about Target’s reputation as the pricier option. 

When looking at Target vs. Walmart for everyday essentials, here’s how things shake out.  

Target vs. Walmart at a Glance

These price and experience comparisons are based on shopping trips in October 2026 at a Walmart in St. Petersburg, Florida, and a Target in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 

Comparison	Walmart	Target
Total for 27-item shopping basket	$102.74	$113.58
Store-brand groceries	Great Value	Good & Gather and other Target-owned food brands
Grocery selection	Significantly more food options — bakery, deli, etc.	More limited grocery items
Shopping experience	Large selection; some organizational and pricing inconsistencies	Easy-to-navigate layout in the reviewed store; some stock shortages
Loyalty program	Walmart+ is a paid membership	Free Target Circle loyalty program, paid membership Target 360
Potential advantage	Lower total	Free loyalty program, competitive prices on core essentials
Potential drawback	Shelf-price discrepancies, uneven organization in the reviewed store	Tempting discretionary purchases, some limited grocery availability

The total bill is an important metric. However, it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider. It all depends on which products you use more, the stores you have access to and your family’s needs. 

Which Store Has Cheaper Groceries: Target or Walmart?

Our total was $102.74 at Walmart and $113.58 at Target. On the surface, the cheaper option may seem like the clear winner. However, for a comprehensive comparison, we also looked at the shopping experience at the store, potential savings programs and how extensive the options were. It’s also important to note that we shopped in different cities in different states, and Winston-Salem’s cost of living is generally less expensive than St. Petersburg’s. Here’s the price breakdown by product.

Target

Category	Item	Size/Qty	Price	Winner
Produce	Bananas	3 bananas	$0.87
Produce	Baby carrots	1 lb bag	$1.39
Produce	Russet Gold potatoes	5 lb bag	$6.79
Produce	Romaine lettuce	1 bag	$3.59	✓
Produce	Avocados	1	$1.19
Meat & Protein	Boneless chicken breast	3 lbs	$11.97
Meat & Protein	80/20 ground beef	2 lbs	$14.78
Meat & Protein	Large eggs	1 dozen, grade A	$1.69	✓
Meat & Protein	Bacon	16 oz package	$4.39
Dairy	Whole milk	1 gallon	$2.19	✓
Dairy	Shredded cheddar cheese	8 oz	$1.99
Dairy	Butter	1 lb, 4 sticks	$3.19
Dairy	Greek yogurt	32 oz tub	$3.29
Pantry	White rice	5 lb bag	$3.59
Pantry	Pasta – spaghetti	16 oz box	$1.29	✓
Pantry	Canned black beans	15 oz can	$0.99
Pantry	Peanut butter	16 oz jar	$2.19
Pantry	Cooking oil	48 oz bottle	$3.99
Pantry	Cereal – store brand Life	Family size box	$5.29
Frozen	Frozen mixed vegetables	12 oz bag	$0.99
Frozen	Frozen pizza – pepperoni	12-inch	$4.39	✓
Bakery	Sandwich bread	20 oz loaf	$1.59
Beverages	Coffee (ground)	12 oz bag	$8.99
Beverages	Orange juice	52 oz	$3.69	✓
Household	Paper towels	6 rolls	$4.29	✓
Household	Dish soap	20 fl oz	$1.59	✓
Household	Laundry detergent	146 fl oz	$13.39	✓ (per oz)
TOTAL CART			$113.58

Target Shopping Experience Analysis

The Target we shopped at had a well-organized layout. The household items and groceries were in the same corner of the store. So as long as you kept your eye on the prize on your way there, the temptation to shop for other items wasn’t as severe as expected. 

There’s no way around the fact that a traditional Target has fewer grocery items than a traditional Walmart (some Targets are the larger Super Target and some Walmarts are smaller Neighborhood Market). We also had to look up Target’s price for chicken breast online because it was out in store, and the store was pretty low on several items we weren’t looking for. You may have to be ready to pivot when they’re out of something. Also, a big reason for the higher total was the fact that the only laundry detergent was 146 ounces. So if you’re out of laundry detergent and not prepared to spend more on the bigger container, that could present a problem. 

Target had at least one or two items in every category that were cheaper than Walmart, namely eggs, milk, orange juice and pasta. And other staples like bread were very close ($1.52 vs. $1.59) so you can get a good value on common items. 

Walmart

Category	Item	Size/Qty	Price	Winner
Produce	Bananas	3 bananas	$0.49	✓
Produce	Baby carrots	1 lb bag	$1.32	✓
Produce	Russet potatoes	5 lb bag	$4.44	✓
Produce	Romaine lettuce	1 bag	$3.63
Produce	Avocados	1	$0.80	✓
Meat & Protein	Boneless chicken breast	3 lbs	$11.88	✓
Meat & Protein	80/20 ground beef	2.25 lbs	$14.93	✓
Meat & Protein	Large eggs	1 dozen, grade A	$1.87
Meat & Protein	Bacon	16 oz	$4.24	✓
Dairy	Whole milk	1 gallon	$2.92
Dairy	Shredded cheddar cheese	8 oz	$1.97	✓
Dairy	Butter	1 lb, 4 sticks	$3.06	✓
Dairy	Greek yogurt	32 oz tub	$3.28	✓
Pantry	White rice	5 lb bag	$3.52	✓
Pantry	Pasta – spaghetti	16 oz box	$1.98
Pantry	Canned black beans	15 oz can	$0.92	✓
Pantry	Peanut butter	16 oz jar	$1.52	✓
Pantry	Cooking oil	48 oz bottle	$3.82	✓
Pantry	Cereal – store brand Cheerios	Family size box	$2.86	✓
Frozen	Frozen mixed vegetables	16 oz bag	$0.98	✓
Frozen	Frozen pizza – pepperoni	12-inch	$4.46
Bakery	Sandwich bread	20 oz loaf	$1.52	✓
Beverages	Coffee (ground)	12 oz bag	$7.32	✓
Beverages	Orange juice	52 oz	$3.96
Household	Paper towels	6 rolls	$8.12
Household	Dish soap	18 fl oz	$1.96
Household	Laundry detergent	46 fl oz	$4.97
TOTAL CART			$102.74

Walmart Shopping Experience Analysis

We were impressed by Walmart’s produce, both selection and quality. That can certainly vary by location, however, most Walmarts have a more expansive produce section than Target. Most Walmarts even have hot prepared foods, a deli, bakery, etc. 

The frozen produce and meat sections didn’t get the same glowing review. They were a bit chaotic and the ground beef didn’t look very fresh. And Target gave Walmart a run for its money when it came to household items like dish soap. 

Prices also changed between two visits to the store. Walmart changes their prices about once a week, but it may be worth checking online before you go in case you’re expecting a certain price for an item. 

Target vs. Walmart Shopping Experience: Which One Should You Choose?

It is hard to ignore the bottom line. The typical Walmart is overall cheaper and has more products to choose from. There also are about twice as many Walmarts in the U.S. as Target, so it wins in the access category as well. Even though Target has a free loyalty program and Walmart doesn’t, large families may find Walmart to be the better choice. 

If you’re a smaller family or single, have a Target nearby and tend to have a consistent list of basics, don’t count Target out. It recently launched its mega-budget store brand Deal Worthy, which is even cheaper than its regular store brand. The free loyalty program also unlocks extra discounts, including a 5% discount on a total purchase for your birthday. 

It’s also important to note that an annual Target 360 membership and Walmart membership cost about the same ($99/year vs. $98/year). Both get you free shipping on deliveries and free same-day delivery on orders that are $35 or more. If you drive a lot and watch a lot of TV, the Walmart Plus membership does come with gas savings and Paramount+.  

Make a list of what you buy on a weekly basis and check prices online at your local Walmart and Target. Cost and experience vary by store, and a little research may save you a decent amount of money. 

How to Save Money at Both Target and Walmart

The good news is our top savings tips work at pretty much any grocery store. Here’s how to save money no matter where you prefer to shop:

• Compare unit prices. This is what helps you figure out if buying more will save you more. For example, buying a pack of 12 paper towels is going to cost more than a pack of six, but if you do the math, it likely costs less per roll. Most items in the store will list cost per ounce, per pound, per item, etc. 
• Use store brands for everyday essentials. Store brands (Great Value at Walmart and Good & Gather and Market Pantry at Target) are almost always a better value than name brands. Most of the time the product and ingredients are identical. 
• Check prices online before shopping. Varying promotions may affect your total. 
• Use loyalty programs. Target’s basic loyalty program is free, so if that’s your store of choice, it’s worth it to sign up. 
• Use a cash back credit card. Earn a percentage back on your purchases. Some cash back credit cards even give a higher percentage back for food purchases. 
• Stick to a shopping list. Loading up your cart will certainly increase your spending, especially if you don’t have a plan for the item and end up not using it. 
• Shop at both stores. This is a great hack if you have the time. If some things are cheaper at Target, go there and swing by Walmart on the way home.  

Final Verdict: Is Target or Walmart Better for Saving Money?

When it comes to Target vs. Walmart prices, Walmart had the lower reported total for the 27-item shopping basket: $102.74 compared with Target’s $113.58.

Target had competitive prices on many staples and even had some cheaper items like eggs and milk. The smaller selection and fewer stores around the country are important to consider. You likely have a Walmart near you, and if Target is out of something, there might not be many backup options. 

However, if Target doesn’t tempt you to spend on clothes and skincare you don’t need and your needs are a bit simpler, it’s fair to give it a shot. Do a similar research mission with your own local stores. The results may surprise you. 

Mackenzie Raetz is senior editor of freelance for The Penny Hoarder and a Certified Educator in Personal Finance.