One store is cheaper than the rest—but only if you shop it right.
Grocery shopping has started to feel less predictable lately. Prices have risen, sales aren’t what they used to be, and the total at checkout can catch you off guard even when your cart looks fairly routine. I’m married to a chef and I work as a food writer testing trending recipes; between the two of us, we’re prepping grocery lists all the time. But even beyond work, feeding our family of four has started to require a bit more strategy than it used to.
The bigger picture backs that up. Grocery prices have climbed significantly over the past few years, and even small increases add up quickly—especially when you’re moving through the basics at a steady pace. The good news is that where you shop still plays a meaningful role in how much you spend. And right now, one store is consistently coming out ahead.
What is the cheapest grocery store right now?
According to a recent Consumer Reports price comparison of grocery costs across major retailers in the United States, Costco takes the top spot overall. When researchers compared baskets of everyday items—from produce to packaged goods—Costco’s prices were about 21% lower than Walmart’s, the study’s baseline retailer.
Part of what likely contributes to Costco’s lower prices is its model. You’re buying in bulk, yes, but you’re also getting access to fewer brands, tightly curated products, and private-label items like Kirkland Signature. All of that helps keep prices lower than those of many traditional grocery stores.
That said, Costco isn’t the only budget-friendly option. Stores like Aldi, Lidl and WinCo also ranked among the least expensive, offering solid savings without the warehouse-sized commitment. The right choice depends on how you shop and how much pantry space you have.
What’s the best way to shop at Costco and save money?
Here’s the catch: Costco can absolutely save you money, as long as you’re shopping with intention. If you’ve ever gone in for “just a few things” and left with a 3-pound bag of pistachios, enough snacks to feed a small soccer team, and a new set of matching kayaks, you already know how this goes.
The real trick to saving money at Costco isn’t just shopping there, it’s shopping there with a plan. Make a list and stick to it. Think of staples you know you’ll need: pantry basics, proteins you can freeze, and household essentials. Grab those first, before the aisles start whispering tempting suggestions.
Stick to quantities that make sense for your household. Bulk pricing only works if you actually use what you buy. A great deal on something that ends up forgotten in the back of the fridge isn’t a deal at all.
And while Costco is known for bulk, not everything it sells is automatically the best deal. It’s worth taking a quick look at the per-unit price to make sure you’re actually saving, especially when it comes to items you buy regularly.
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