Aldi vs Walmart: Which is Actually Cheaper in 2025?
Aldi and Walmart are both known for low prices, but which one actually wins at the register? The answer isn't as simple as picking one store — each has clear advantages depending on what you're buying. We compared prices across 20+ common grocery items to give you a real, data-driven answer.
Head-to-Head Price Comparison
| Item | Aldi | Walmart | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (1 dozen, large) | $2.89 | $3.12 | Aldi ✓ |
| Whole milk (1 gallon) | $3.19 | $3.08 | Walmart ✓ |
| Bread (sandwich loaf) | $1.49 | $1.28 | Walmart ✓ |
| Chicken breast (per lb) | $2.49 | $2.97 | Aldi ✓ |
| Ground beef 80/20 (per lb) | $4.29 | $4.97 | Aldi ✓ |
| Shredded cheddar (8 oz) | $2.19 | $2.47 | Aldi ✓ |
| Butter (1 lb) | $3.49 | $3.64 | Aldi ✓ |
| Greek yogurt (32 oz) | $3.99 | $4.47 | Aldi ✓ |
| Pasta (16 oz box) | $0.89 | $0.98 | Aldi ✓ |
| Marinara sauce (24 oz) | $1.89 | $1.78 | Walmart ✓ |
| Canned tomatoes (14.5 oz) | $0.79 | $0.88 | Aldi ✓ |
| Frozen broccoli (12 oz) | $1.29 | $1.38 | Aldi ✓ |
| Bananas (per lb) | $0.44 | $0.58 | Aldi ✓ |
| Bagged salad mix | $2.49 | $2.98 | Aldi ✓ |
| Orange juice (52 oz) | $3.49 | $3.28 | Walmart ✓ |
| Olive oil (16.9 oz) | $4.99 | $5.47 | Aldi ✓ |
| Oats (42 oz) | $2.69 | $2.96 | Aldi ✓ |
| Peanut butter (16 oz) | $2.29 | $2.47 | Aldi ✓ |
| Tortilla chips (9 oz) | $1.69 | $1.98 | Aldi ✓ |
| Dish soap (21 oz) | $1.49 | $1.97 | Aldi ✓ |
| Estimated basket total | ~$51.50 | ~$57.70 | Aldi saves ~$6 |
Aldi: Why It Wins on Price
Aldi's lower prices come from a fundamentally different business model. About 90% of products are Aldi's own private-label brands, which cuts out the cost of national brand marketing and packaging. Stores are smaller, staffing is leaner, and the no-frills shopping experience (bring your own bags, rent a quarter for a cart) all reduce overhead that gets passed to shoppers.
The result is consistently lower prices on proteins, dairy, produce, and pantry staples — the core of most grocery budgets. Aldi's produce quality has also improved significantly in recent years and is now competitive with mainstream supermarkets.
✅ Pros
- Lowest prices on most items
- Excellent meat & dairy prices
- Good quality store brands
- ALDI Finds for seasonal deals
❌ Cons
- Limited brand selection
- Smaller stores, less variety
- No online ordering/delivery
- Not available everywhere
Walmart: Where It Wins
Walmart wins on variety, convenience, and brand availability. If you need a specific national brand, a specialty ingredient, or want to do all your shopping in one place (groceries, household goods, electronics), Walmart can't be beat. Their Great Value store brand is also a strong budget option that competes closely with Aldi on many items.
Walmart also has a clear edge for online shopping — with Walmart+ membership, you can get same-day delivery at in-store prices with no item markup, which Aldi doesn't offer at all.
✅ Pros
- Huge variety & brand selection
- One-stop shop for everything
- Walmart+ delivery at in-store prices
- Available everywhere in the US
❌ Cons
- Higher prices than Aldi on most items
- Large stores can be overwhelming
- More impulse-buy temptation
The Verdict
Aldi wins on price for the majority of everyday grocery items — often by 10–20% per item. On a typical $200/month grocery budget, shopping primarily at Aldi vs Walmart could save you $20–30/month, or $240–360/year.
Walmart wins on convenience and variety. If you value having every brand available, need online delivery, or live somewhere without an Aldi nearby, Walmart's Great Value brand keeps costs reasonable.
The best approach for most shoppers: Use Aldi as your primary store for staples and proteins, then make a occasional Walmart run for anything Aldi doesn't stock. You get the best of both worlds.