Is Aldi Cheaper Than Walmart? Price Comparison of 100 Items
Is Aldi Cheaper Than Walmart? Price Comparison of 100 Items
What's In This Article
- Quick Answer: Aldi vs. Walmart Price Comparison
- Detailed Price Comparison Methodology
- Grocery Category Breakdown: Where Each Store Wins
- Shopping Tips to Maximize Savings at Both Stores
- The Bargain Boxed Alternative: How We Compare
- FAQs About Aldi and Walmart Prices
- Final Verdict: Which Store Really Saves You More
Quick Answer: Is Aldi Cheaper Than Walmart?
Based on our comprehensive price comparison of 100 everyday items, Aldi is approximately 15-20% cheaper than Walmart overall. However, the savings vary significantly by category, with Aldi offering better deals on dairy, produce, and pantry staples, while Walmart tends to be more competitive on name-brand items and household goods. For the absolute best bargains on shelf-stable grocery items, Bargain Boxed offers even greater savings than both retailers, with prices averaging 25-30% lower than Walmart on comparable products.
Detailed Price Comparison Methodology
For this analysis, we selected 100 common grocery and household items that typical shoppers purchase regularly. We visited multiple Aldi and Walmart locations across different regions between January and March 2025 to collect pricing data. To ensure a fair comparison, we matched items based on:
- Equivalent quantities
- Similar quality tiers (store brand vs. store brand where applicable)
- Regular pricing (excluding temporary sales or promotions)
- Consistent timing to minimize seasonal fluctuations
All prices were recorded in-store and verified against online listings where available. For certain items where exact matches weren't possible, we calculated per-unit pricing to enable fair comparisons.
Grocery Category Breakdown: Where Each Store Wins
Dairy & Refrigerated Items
| Item | Aldi | Walmart | Savings at Aldi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallon of 2% Milk | $2.79 | $3.38 | 17.5% |
| Dozen Large Eggs | $2.19 | $2.56 | 14.5% |
| 16oz Block Cheddar Cheese | $3.29 | $3.78 | 13.0% |
| 32oz Plain Greek Yogurt | $3.49 | $4.12 | 15.3% |
| 16oz Butter (4 sticks) | $3.69 | $4.27 | 13.6% |
Winner: Aldi - On average, dairy products at Aldi are 14.8% cheaper than Walmart.
Fresh Produce
| Item | Aldi | Walmart | Savings at Aldi |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3lb Bag Gala Apples | $3.49 | $4.22 | 17.3% |
| 5lb Russet Potatoes | $2.89 | $3.47 | 16.7% |
| 1lb Strawberries | $2.29 | $2.98 | 23.2% |
| Bunch of Bananas (per lb) | $0.59 | $0.58 | -1.7% |
| Head of Romaine Lettuce | $1.79 | $1.98 | 9.6% |
Winner: Aldi - Produce at Aldi is approximately 13.0% cheaper overall, though Walmart occasionally wins on specific items.
Pantry Staples
| Item | Aldi | Walmart | Savings at Aldi | Bargain Boxed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5lb All-Purpose Flour | $2.15 | $2.74 | 21.5% | $1.89 |
| 4lb Granulated Sugar | $2.29 | $2.68 | 14.6% | $1.99 |
| 42oz Old-Fashioned Oats | $2.65 | $3.22 | 17.7% | $2.29 |
| 16oz Dry Pasta | $1.19 | $1.42 | 16.2% | $0.99 |
| 32oz Long Grain Rice | $1.69 | $1.96 | 13.8% | $1.39 |
Winner: Bargain Boxed, followed by Aldi - While Aldi beats Walmart by about 16.8% on pantry staples, Bargain Boxed offers even deeper discounts, averaging 25% less than Walmart and 9.8% less than Aldi on shelf-stable goods.
Meat & Protein
| Item | Aldi | Walmart | Savings at Aldi |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1lb Ground Beef (80/20) | $4.29 | $4.42 | 2.9% |
| Boneless Chicken Breasts (per lb) | $2.99 | $3.24 | 7.7% |
| 12oz Bacon | $4.59 | $4.97 | 7.6% |
| 1lb Pork Chops | $3.89 | $3.98 | 2.3% |
| 5oz Canned Tuna | $0.89 | $0.98 | 9.2% |
Winner: Aldi (Slight Edge) - Aldi's prices on meat and protein are approximately 5.9% lower than Walmart, though the gap is narrower than in other categories.
Frozen Foods
| Item | Aldi | Walmart | Savings at Aldi |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16oz Frozen Broccoli | $1.55 | $1.73 | 10.4% |
| 48oz Ice Cream | $2.99 | $3.47 | 13.8% |
| 12ct Frozen Waffles | $2.19 | $2.52 | 13.1% |
| 12oz Frozen Orange Juice | $1.79 | $1.96 | 8.7% |
| 19oz Frozen Pizza | $4.99 | $5.47 | 8.8% |
Winner: Aldi - Frozen foods at Aldi are approximately 11.0% cheaper than at Walmart.
Household Items
| Item | Aldi | Walmart | Savings at Aldi |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75oz Laundry Detergent | $7.49 | $6.97 | -7.5% |
| 4-pack Paper Towels | $5.99 | $5.47 | -9.5% |
| 12-pack Toilet Paper | $6.49 | $5.98 | -8.5% |
| 42ct Dishwasher Pods | $6.79 | $6.27 | -8.3% |
| 20oz Dish Soap | $2.29 | $2.12 | -8.0% |
Winner: Walmart - Household items at Walmart are approximately 8.4% cheaper than at Aldi.
Snacks & Beverages
| Item | Aldi | Walmart | Savings at Aldi | Bargain Boxed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16oz Potato Chips | $2.19 | $2.78 | 21.2% | $1.89 |
| 6oz Crackers | $1.49 | $1.88 | 20.7% | $1.29 |
| 12-pack Soda | $3.69 | $4.68 | 21.2% | $3.19 |
| 1lb Coffee | $5.29 | $6.24 | 15.2% | $4.79 |
| 24-pack Bottled Water | $3.49 | $3.98 | 12.3% | $2.99 |
Winner: Bargain Boxed, followed by Aldi - While Aldi beats Walmart by about 18.1% on snacks and beverages, Bargain Boxed offers even greater value at approximately 30% less than Walmart.
Shopping Tips to Maximize Savings at Both Stores
Making the Most of Aldi
- Shop Aldi Finds (weekly special buys) for exceptional deals
- Bring your own bags to avoid bag fees
- Have a quarter ready for cart rental (refundable)
- Check the twice-weekly fresh meat specials
- Consider Aldi's satisfaction guarantee for trying new products
Walmart Shopping Strategies
- Use the Walmart app for price checking and Walmart+ benefits
- Take advantage of pickup discounts on online orders
- Look for clearance items, especially seasonal goods
- Consider Great Value brand for household items
- Use price matching for competitor advertised deals
The Hybrid Approach
Many savvy shoppers use a combined strategy:
- Aldi for produce, dairy, and pantry basics
- Walmart for name brands and household goods
- Bargain Boxed for bulk shelf-stable items and pantry staples
The Bargain Boxed Alternative: How We Compare
While the Aldi vs. Walmart debate continues, Bargain Boxed offers a compelling alternative for shelf-stable groceries and pantry staples. Our business model focuses on providing exceptional value through:
- Direct sourcing from manufacturers and distributors
- No retail overhead costs
- Simplified logistics and inventory management
- No membership fees or subscription requirements
- Passing savings directly to customers
On shelf-stable grocery items, Bargain Boxed prices average 25-30% lower than Walmart and 15-20% lower than Aldi. Our inventory rotates regularly, bringing you different deals with each restock. Products are always shelf-stable and properly stored, making items past the best by date perfectly suitable for consumption when stored appropriately.
FAQs About Aldi and Walmart Prices
Why is Aldi typically cheaper than Walmart?
Aldi maintains lower prices through several efficiency measures: smaller store footprints, limited selection (about 1,400 items vs. Walmart's 100,000+), minimal staffing, cart rental systems, bring-your-own-bag policies, and a heavy emphasis on private label products.
Are Aldi products lower quality than Walmart's?
No, Aldi's quality is generally comparable to national brands. Many Aldi private label products are manufactured by the same companies that produce name brands but with different packaging. In blind taste tests, many Aldi products score as well as or better than name-brand equivalents.
Does Walmart price match Aldi?
Officially, Walmart discontinued its price matching policy for most local competitors, including Aldi. However, Walmart continuously monitors competitor pricing and adjusts its own accordingly, especially on frequently purchased items.
Which store has better produce, Aldi or Walmart?
Quality varies by location and season. Aldi has made significant improvements to its produce section in recent years, but Walmart typically offers greater variety. For organic options, both stores have expanded offerings, though selection varies widely by location.
Can I use coupons at Aldi or Walmart?
Walmart accepts manufacturer coupons, while Aldi generally does not accept coupons since most of their products are private label. Aldi occasionally offers in-store coupons for specific products.
Is shopping online cheaper at Aldi or Walmart?
Walmart generally offers more competitive online pricing and fulfillment options. Aldi partners with Instacart for delivery in many areas, but prices may be higher than in-store, and service fees apply. For maximum savings, in-store shopping is typically best at both retailers.
Are items past the best by date safe to consume?
Yes, when properly stored, many shelf-stable items remain perfectly safe and maintain quality well beyond their best by date. Best by dates indicate peak quality rather than safety, particularly for dry goods, canned items, and many packaged foods. Bargain Boxed specializes in these types of products, allowing for substantial savings without compromising quality or safety.
Final Verdict: Which Store Really Saves You More
Based on our comprehensive 100-item price comparison, the results are clear:
-
Bargain Boxed: Offers the lowest prices on shelf-stable grocery items, averaging 25-30% below Walmart and 15-20% below Aldi, making it the clear winner for pantry staples, snacks, and non-perishable goods.
-
Aldi: Comes in approximately 15-20% cheaper than Walmart overall, with particularly strong savings in produce, dairy, and private label goods. Aldi excels at everyday low pricing on essential items.
-
Walmart: Most competitive on household goods, name-brand products, and offers significantly greater selection. Walmart's value proposition improves when factoring in one-stop shopping convenience.
For the budget-conscious shopper, the optimal strategy combines all three: Bargain Boxed for shelf-stable groceries and pantry staples, Aldi for fresh produce and dairy, and Walmart for specific name-brand items and household goods that aren't available elsewhere.
Remember that prices vary by location and season, so your specific savings may differ. We recommend trying different combinations to find the shopping pattern that maximizes your household savings while meeting your specific needs.
Prices surveyed January-March 2025. All prices subject to change. Regional variations may apply.