Independent price comparisons in 2026 consistently rank Aldi and warehouse clubs like Costco among the cheapest places to buy groceries, with Aldi running roughly 8 to 30 percent below Walmart depending on the study, and Costco averaging about 21 percent cheaper than Walmart according to Consumer Reports testing. Walmart remains one of the most practical choices overall for SNAP shoppers because of its combination of low everyday prices, wide selection, and near-universal EBT acceptance both in-store and online.
This guide is independently written and is not affiliated with USDA, OPM, or the official federal Feds Feed Families campaign.
Aldi: Best for Everyday Staples and Store Brands
Aldi consistently ranks among the lowest-priced grocery chains in independent testing, with Consumer Checkbook's national survey finding Aldi's prices often 30 to 40 percent lower than the average grocery store, and other comparisons showing Aldi beating major chains by roughly 8 to 25 percent depending on the specific items compared. Aldi's savings come largely from its heavy reliance on private-label products rather than name brands, along with a smaller store footprint and leaner operating model. The tradeoff is a more limited selection, fewer name-brand options, and a smaller fresh meat counter than a full-size supermarket, which matters if your household relies on specific brands or specialty cuts.
Walmart: Best for Selection and Consistency
- Aldi: Best for Everyday Staples and Store Brands
- Walmart: Best for Selection and Consistency
- Costco and Sam's Club: Best for Bulk, With a Catch
- WinCo and Save-A-Lot: Regional Discount Options
- Kroger, Target, and Regional Chains: Best for Digital Coupons and Loyalty Pricing
- Shopping Online With SNAP
- FAQ
- What is the cheapest grocery store overall in 2026?
- Can I use SNAP at Costco or Sam's Club?
- Is Walmart or Aldi better for SNAP shoppers?
- Can I order groceries online and pay with SNAP?
Walmart operates on an Everyday Low Price model rather than relying heavily on rotating weekly sales, which means prices stay fairly consistent and predictable from visit to visit. While some discount grocers beat Walmart on specific store-brand items, Walmart's scale keeps its overall basket price highly competitive, and its Great Value store brand is widely regarded as a strong value option across pantry staples, dairy, and frozen food. Walmart also offers one of the widest EBT-compatible shopping experiences, including in-store, online pickup, and delivery through Walmart Grocery.
Costco and Sam's Club: Best for Bulk, With a Catch
Warehouse clubs frequently offer the lowest per-unit prices of any retail format, with Consumer Reports finding Costco's grocery prices averaging about 21 percent cheaper than Walmart's, the lowest of any retailer in that particular study. The significant catch for SNAP shoppers is the membership fee, since SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for a club membership itself, only for SNAP-eligible food once inside. For households that can afford the membership cost separately, and that have enough freezer or pantry storage space to use bulk quantities before they spoil, warehouse clubs can meaningfully stretch a food budget. For smaller households or those without storage space, the bulk format may not translate into real savings.
Recommended Articles
BUDGETING MEAL PLANNING
BUDGETING MEAL PLANNING
BUDGETING MEAL PLANNING
BUDGETING MEAL PLANNING
WinCo and Save-A-Lot: Regional Discount Options
In regions where they operate, WinCo Foods and Save-A-Lot are worth checking, since independent comparisons have found WinCo pricing roughly 3 percent below Walmart on average, largely due to its self-serve bulk bins for items like rice, beans, and spices, which let shoppers buy the exact amount needed rather than a fixed package size. Save-A-Lot similarly focuses on deep discounts on packaged and pantry goods, though like Aldi, both chains typically offer a smaller selection and fewer specialty items than a full supermarket.
Kroger, Target, and Regional Chains: Best for Digital Coupons and Loyalty Pricing
Traditional supermarket chains like Kroger and its regional banners, along with Target, generally cost more than discount grocers on a basic cart comparison, but they offer loyalty programs and digital coupons that can close much of that gap for shoppers willing to use them consistently. Both accept SNAP in-store and, in many areas, online for pickup or delivery, and Target in particular has become a common option for households that want groceries and household essentials in the same trip, keeping in mind that EBT will only cover the food portion of that purchase.
Shopping Online With SNAP
Most major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Kroger, Amazon, and Whole Foods, now accept SNAP for online orders in most states, and Instacart partners with additional chains like Aldi and Safeway to accept EBT payments as well. It is worth remembering across all of these options that SNAP benefits can pay for eligible groceries themselves, but cannot cover delivery fees, service fees, or tips, which need to be paid using a separate payment method.
FAQ
What is the cheapest grocery store overall in 2026?
Independent price comparisons most consistently rank Aldi and warehouse clubs like Costco among the lowest-priced options, though the exact winner depends on which specific items are compared and where you live.
Can I use SNAP at Costco or Sam's Club?
Yes, for eligible groceries once inside the store, but SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for the membership fee itself, which must be covered separately.
Is Walmart or Aldi better for SNAP shoppers?
Aldi often wins on store-brand pricing, while Walmart offers a wider selection of name brands and a more consistent shopping experience. Many SNAP shoppers use Aldi for staples and Walmart for items Aldi doesn't carry.
Can I order groceries online and pay with SNAP?
Yes, in most states, through retailers like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Amazon, and Instacart-partnered stores, though delivery fees and tips must be paid with a separate payment method.
Sources: Consumer Reports grocery price testing, Consumer Checkbook national supermarket price survey, GOBankingRates SNAP retailer comparison.