19 Cheapest Grocery Stores Near You: 2026 Price Guide (Save 50%)

Quick Answer: The cheapest grocery stores near you are Aldi, Walmart, WinCo Foods, Lidl, and Save-A-Lot, where you can save 30-50% compared to traditional supermarkets. Aldi offers the best overall value with prices up to 50% lower than competitors.

Quick Store Comparison: Find Your Best Match

Store	Avg. Savings	Membership?	Best For	Locations
Aldi	40-50%	No	Everyday groceries	2,300+ stores
Walmart	25-35%	No	One-stop shopping	4,600+ stores
WinCo Foods	30-40%	No	Bulk items	130+ stores
Costco	30-40%	Yes ($65/year)	Bulk buying	600+ warehouses
Trader Joe’s	20-30%	No	Specialty items	560+ stores

How I Ranked the Cheapest Grocery Stores

I didn’t just throw together a random list of stores or copy-paste from a generic site.

To give you the most accurate rankings for 2026, I looked at:

• Average savings percentages: How much you actually save compared to “big name” supermarkets.
• 2026 Consumer survey data: Latest survey results from thousands of real shoppers.
• Price comparisons: I tracked the “Big Four” (milk, eggs, bread, and meat) at the most popular stores.
• Accessibility: How easy it is to actually find a location near you.

Real-World Price Check: Aldi vs. Walmart (January 2026)

To show you how much of a difference the store makes, here is a quick look at national average prices for common staples as of January 2026.

While your local prices may vary slightly, the gap between “standard” and “discount” stores is clear.

Item	Aldi Avg Price (2026)	Walmart Avg Price (2026)
Milk (1 gallon)	$3.15	$3.28
Eggs (dozen)	$1.98	$2.12
Bread (loaf)	$1.29	$1.42
Chicken (lb)	$3.49	$3.67

These are national averages and change by location, but they show how choosing a discount store can add up to thousands in savings over a year.

As someone living in St. Louis, I regularly shop and check prices at Aldi, Schnucks, Dierbergs and Walmart. In almost every shopping trip I made in early 2026, Aldi consistently beat Schnucks, Dierbergs and Walmart on milk, eggs, and pantry staples.

The 2026 Grocery Inflation Survival Kit (Updated January 19, 2026)

Even though overall food inflation is cooling, some “budget-killer” items have spiked in early 2026.

Here’s how to save on the most expensive staples:

High-Inflation Item	2026 Trend	Best Place to Buy	Quick Tip
Coffee (Ground)	+19.8%	Aldi / Trader Joe’s	Buy private labels like Barissimo or Joe to save $3+ per bag.
Ground Beef	+16.4%	WinCo / Sam’s Club	Buy family packs and freeze in 1lb portions.
Olive Oil	+15.0%	Costco (Kirkland)	2-liter jugs offer the best price per ounce.
Nonalcoholic Drinks	+5.1%	Walmart / Target	Stick to store brands or wait for “Buy 2 Get 2” sales.

A recent study from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee found that the average American household spent about $300 more on groceries in 2025 compared to 2024, with the largest increases in staples like beef and coffee.

Focusing on these items at discount stores instead of traditional supermarkets could save $400–$600 per year.

How Much Should You Budget for Groceries in 2026?

Using the latest USDA Moderate-Cost Food Plan estimates for 2026, here’s what a “normal” monthly grocery budget looks like for most Americans right now:

• Single adult: about $328–$388
• Couple: around $800
• Family of four: roughly $1,500

Where you live matters too. I scoured Reddit’s food and budgeting subreddits and found that households in high-cost states like Hawaii spend over $1,500 monthly, while those in West Virginia or Arkansas are closer to $770 to $850.

That’s why choosing the right grocery store near you can make a real difference in your food budget.

Top Cheapest Grocery Stores in America (2026)

Based on extensive research from Consumer Reports, Consumers’ Checkbook, and price comparison studies, here are the most affordable grocery stores where you can buy quality food without breaking the bank.

1. Aldi

Aldi’s one of the cheapest grocery stores in America, and for good reason.

How much can you save? Shopping at Aldi can cut your grocery costs by 40-50% compared to traditional supermarkets. Yes, really.

Here’s why Aldi’s so cheap:

• They stock mostly their own private-label brands (and they’re actually really good quality)
• Smaller stores mean lower overhead costs
• You bag your own groceries
• Limited selection (around 1,400 items vs. 40,000+ at regular grocery stores)
• No fancy displays — stuff often stays in the shipping boxes

What to buy at Aldi

Chicken filets, eggs, canned goods, cheese, high-quality Fair Trade chocolate, fresh herbs, vegan items, and snacks are almost always cheaper at Aldi.

Check out my full guide on how to save money at Aldi for more tips.

• Where you’ll find them: Aldi has over 2,000 stores in 38 states, mainly in the Midwest, East Coast, and expanding in the South and West Coast.
• Find a store near you: Aldi locations

2. Lidl

Lidl (pronounced “LEE-dul”) is Aldi’s European cousin and has been in the U.S. since 2015. They started in Germany in 1973 and have grown to over 31 countries. Despite the growth, Lidl’s goal is simple: high-quality groceries at low prices.

Here’s what makes Lidl special:

• Smaller staff and warehouse-style setup keeps prices low
• Rotating “Lidl Surprises” – limited-time deals on groceries and home goods
• Focus on European imports at American discount prices
• High-quality store brands that rival name brands

What to buy at Lidl

Produce, pantry basics, dairy, and weekly specials like queso dip, salsa, organic black beans, and condiments. Check the Lidl website for digital coupons and extra savings.

• Where you’ll find them: Over 170 U.S. locations in 9 East Coast states, from New York to Georgia.
• Find a store near you: Lidl locations

3. WinCo Foods

WinCo is a hidden gem, especially if you live on the West Coast or in parts of the Midwest. They earned a 73.1% value rating in consumer surveys, making them one of the top three cheapest grocery options.

Here’s why WinCo keeps prices low:

• They’re employee-owned, so profits go back into keeping prices down
• They buy directly from manufacturers and farmers
• You bag your own groceries
• Many locations are open 24/7
• Huge bulk foods section where you can buy exactly what you need
• WinCo doesn’t accept credit cards (only debit, cash, and EBT), which helps them avoid processing fees and keep prices lower.

What to buy at WinCo Foods

Their bulk section is legendary. You can get nuts, grains, spices, candy, and baking supplies for a fraction of what you’d pay at regular stores. Their produce and meat departments also offer excellent prices.

• Where you’ll find them: WinCo has 139 stores across 10 western and midwest states, including California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Texas, and Oklahoma.
• Find a store near you: WinCo locations

4. Save-A-Lot

Save-A-Lot is a no-frills grocery store that focuses on keeping prices low. They usually offer prices well below traditional supermarkets, making them a great option if you’re shopping on a budget.

Here’s why Save-A-Lot keeps prices low:

• Smaller stores (around 15,000 sq. ft. vs 50,000+ for regular supermarkets)
• Mostly private-label products with limited national brands
• Focus on meat, dairy, produce, and pantry basics
• Weekly ads with rotating deals

What to buy at Save-A-Lot

Stick to the basics like meat, dairy, produce, and pantry staples. Weekly specials and limited-time deals are also worth checking for extra savings. While you won’t find a huge variety, these items often cost up to 40% less than at regular grocery stores.

• Where you’ll find them: Over 900 stores across 32 states, with a heavy presence in the Midwest, South, and East Coast.
• Find a store near you: Save-A-Lot locations

5. Walmart

Walmart might not always be the absolute cheapest, but it deserves a top spot because it’s everywhere, including rural areas and smaller towns. With over 4,600 stores across all 50 states, there’s probably one near you right now.

Here’s why Walmart works for budget shoppers:

• Price matching and rollback deals
• Great Walmart+ grocery delivery and pickup options
• Huge selection so you can do all your shopping in one place
• Strong store brands (Great Value, Equate) that save you money
• Weekly ads with legit deals

What to buy at Walmart

Basics like milk, eggs, bread, meat, pantry staples, and household essentials are usually cheaper than at other stores. Store brands like Great Value and Equate are reliable and budget-friendly. Don’t forget to check weekly ads and online deals to save even more and see my tips for saving money at Walmart for extra hacks.

Walmart’s app helps you access weekly ads, digital coupons, and order groceries for pickup or delivery.

• Where you’ll find them: everywhere!
• Find a store near you: Walmart locations

6. Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s isn’t always the absolute cheapest, but they offer great prices on private-label items and unique foods you won’t find anywhere else.

About 80% of what they sell is under the Trader Joe’s brand, so you’re not paying extra for fancy packaging or marketing.

Here’s why Trader Joe’s is worth shopping at:

• Unique products you can’t find anywhere else
• Strong focus on organic, vegetarian, and specialty diet options
• Only about 4,000 items in stock (vs. 50,000+ at regular supermarkets) so you’re not overwhelmed
• Excellent frozen food selection
• Great customer service and checkout experience

What to buy at Trader Joe’s

Frozen meals, wine and beer, nuts, dried fruit, cheese, and other unique snacks. Some items are pricier than ultra-discount stores, but overall your cart will usually cost less than at traditional supermarkets.

• Where you’ll find them: Over 500 stores in 42 states and Washington D.C., with heavy concentration in California and the Northeast.
• Find a store near you: Trader Joe’s locations

7. Grocery Outlet

Grocery Outlet works a bit differently than most grocery stores. They buy excess inventory, closeouts, and overstock directly from manufacturers and pass the savings to you. Consumer surveys gave them a 71.4% value rating.

Here’s what makes Grocery Outlet unique:

• Constantly changing inventory — it’s like a treasure hunt
• Name-brand products at 40-70% off regular prices
• “NOSH” (Natural, Organic, Specialty, Healthy) sections with discounted health foods
• Independently operated stores, so each location has different deals

You won’t always find the same products week to week, so if you see a great deal on something you use regularly, stock up!

What to buy at Grocery Outlet

Pantry staples, frozen foods, snacks, beverages, and discounted health products. Keep an eye out for name-brand items at huge discounts, stock up when you see your favorites.

• Where you’ll find them: Over 400 stores in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, with recent expansion to New Jersey.
• Find a store near you: Visit Grocery Outlet’s website

8. Kroger

Kroger is one of America’s largest grocery chains. They might not always be the absolute cheapest, but they offer competitive prices and lots of ways to save.

Here’s why Kroger works for budget shoppers:

• Digital coupons you can load to your Shopper’s Card
• Weekly ads with real deals
• 5X fuel points promotions
• Buy online, pick up in store for free
• Kroger brand products at lower prices

Use digital coupons and weekly ads to maximize savings on both groceries and household essentials.

What to buy at Kroger

Pantry staples, fresh produce, meat, dairy, frozen foods, and household essentials. Kroger brand items often cost less than national brands, and digital coupons can save you extra on weekly specials.

• Where you’ll find them: Thousands of stores across the U.S., including most major cities and suburbs.
• Find a store near you: Kroger locations

Delivery vs. In-Store: Is the Convenience Fee Worth It in 2026?

Grocery delivery is tempting. Tap a button, groceries show up, done.

But if you’re looking for the cheapest grocery option near you, delivery usually changes the math fast.

Here’s the real cost of grocery delivery in 2026:

• Quiet Item Markups: Many delivery apps price items higher than in-store. On average, shoppers pay 15%–23% more per item, depending on the store and platform. A $4 gallon of milk can easily become $4.75–$5.00.
• Dynamic Pricing: Some platforms adjust totals based on demand and location. Two people ordering the same cart may not see the same price — and over time, those differences add up.
• Fees Add Up Quickly: Between delivery fees, service fees, and tips, you’re often paying $15–$25 extra per order before groceries even enter the cart.
• The Smart-Saver Verdict: If you must use delivery, store-run services like Walmart+ and Kroger Delivery are usually cheapest because prices stay closer to in-store.
• Best Middle Ground: Curbside pickup gives you in-store prices, no delivery fees, and fewer impulse buys. For many shoppers, it’s the best balance between cost and convenience in 2026.

My own personal experience: In comparisons I’ve done between store pickup in St. Louis and grocery delivery services, curbside pickup with Walmart or Aldi Pickup consistently cost less than third-party delivery, and usually ended up cheaper than having Instacart or Shipt bring groceries to the door.

Warehouse Clubs: Buy in Bulk to Save Big

Warehouse clubs require a membership, but if you shop smart, they can save you serious money, especially if you’re feeding a family or splitting bulk buys with friends.

9. Costco

Costco isn’t just a store — it’s a go-to for budget-conscious families. Yes, you need a membership ($60–$120 per year, depending on the tier), but many people make that money back in savings within a month or two.

Here’s why Costco saves you money:

• Bulk pricing on everything from groceries to gas
• Kirkland Signature store brand often matches or beats name brands in quality
• Rotisserie chickens for $4.99 (a price they’ve kept the same for years)
• Strong selection of organic and specialty diet foods
• Very generous return policy — they’ll take back almost anything

What to buy at Costco

Rotisserie chicken, bacon, eggs, cheese, nuts, olive oil, frozen berries, toilet paper, and household staples. And yes, the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo is still one of the best cheap meals around.

Bonus: There are even ways to shop at Costco without a membership if you want to try it first.

• Where you’ll find them: Hundreds of warehouse locations across the U.S. and worldwide.
• Find a store near you: Costco locations

10. Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club is Walmart’s version of a warehouse club, and for many shoppers, it’s a cheaper and more convenient alternative to Costco. You’ll need a membership ($50–$110 per year), but if you buy in bulk even occasionally, the savings can add up fast.

One of the best ways I personally save money and cut down my shopping time is buying a year or two worth of toilet paper, paper towels, wet wipes, detergents, shampoos, etc. I mean, these will be used either way and they won’t go bad.

Here’s why Sam’s Club saves you money:

• Bulk pricing on groceries, household items, and everyday essentials
• Member’s Mark store brand offers solid quality at lower prices
• Scan & Go app lets you skip checkout lines entirely
• Gas stations with prices often 5–20 cents cheaper per gallon
• Same-day delivery available in many areas

What to buy at Sam’s Club

Toilet paper, paper towels, bottled water, meat, snacks, cleaning supplies, pantry staples, and Member’s Mark items. Gas alone can help offset the membership cost if you fill up regularly.

Bonus: Sam’s Club locations are usually easier to find than Costco, especially in suburban and rural areas where Costco hasn’t expanded yet. I have two near where I love vs One Costco that takes 20 min to get to.

• Where you’ll find them: 599 warehouse locations across 44 U.S. states.
• Find a store near you: Sam’s Club locations

Cheapest Regional Grocery Stores (By State or Region)

Here are the cheapest grocery stores near you.

Quick Regional Winners

Region	Quick Regional Winners
West Coast	WinCo Foods & Grocery Outlet
Texas / Southwest	H-E-B
Northeast / Mid-Atlantic	Wegmans & ShopRite
New England	Market Basket
Midwest	Meijer & County Market

11. H-E-B (Texas & Parts of the Southwest)

• Locations: Primarily Texas, with limited locations in Mexico

If you live in Texas, you probably already shop at H-E-B. If you don’t, just know this: Texans are borderline obsessed with it — and honestly, it’s earned that reputation.

Here’s why H-E-B saves you money:

• High-quality store brands that cost less than name brands
• Strong focus on local Texas farmers and regional products
• Weekly digital coupons and deals through the H-E-B app
• Satisfaction guarantee — if you don’t like something, they’ll refund it

What to buy at H-E-B

H-E-B brand pantry staples, fresh produce, meat and chicken, meal-prep items, and household basics. Their store-brand versions are often just as good as big brands but noticeably cheaper.

The H-E-B app regularly has coupons like $1 off toilet paper, $3 off prepared chicken meals, and discounts on everyday items like laundry detergent.

• Find a store near you: H-E-B locations

12. Wegmans (Northeast & Mid-Atlantic)

• Locations: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina

Wegmans consistently ranks high for both quality and value. In consumer surveys, it earned a 68.7% value rating, which puts it solidly in the “worth it” category — especially if you like good food but don’t want to overpay.

Here’s why Wegmans saves you money:

• Huge selection with 50,000–70,000 products (about double the national average)
• Strong store-brand lineup that’s cheaper than name brands
• Excellent organic, international, and specialty food options
• Prices are often about 12% lower than similar upscale grocery stores
• Family-owned, not a faceless corporate chain

What to buy at Wegman

Organic produce, artisan bread, imported cheeses, fresh seafood, international ingredients, and healthier snack options. It’s one of the best places to buy “nice” food without paying specialty-store prices.

• Find a store near you: Wegmans locations

13. County Market (Midwest & Southern States)

• Locations: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee

County Market is a Midwest favorite, with stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri. They carry groceries, pet food, pharmacy items, and even have gas stations at many locations.

Here’s why County Market is worth checking out:

• Affordable prices on everyday items
• Convenience of having groceries, pet supplies, and gas in one stop
• Mobile app for digital coupons and easy shopping lists
• Frequent local deals on fresh produce and meat

What to buy at County Market

Yellow onions (3 lb bag), Roma tomatoes, boneless pork loin, fried chicken, and other weekly specials. Check the app for rotating deals to save even more.

• Find a store near you: County Market locations

14. Food 4 Less (West Coast & Midwest)

• Locations: California, Illinois, Indiana (operates under Kroger)

Food4Less is a discount grocery chain offering low prices and plenty of deals. With printable grocery coupons and weekly specials, it’s easy to save big on groceries.

Here’s why Food4Less is a great discount food store:

• Affordable prices on a wide variety of groceries
• Printable coupons available online for extra savings
• Mobile app for weekly deals and digital coupons
• Strong selection of store-brand and staple items

What to buy at Food4Less

Pantry staples, fresh produce, dairy, and weekly specials. Check their website or app for coupons to maximize savings.

• Find a store near you: Food4Less locations

15. Market Basket (New England)

• Locations: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine

Market Basket is a beloved New England grocery chain known for real everyday low prices – not just temporary sales, but regular savings on groceries.

Here’s why Market Basket is a smart choice:

• Consistently low prices across all departments
• Strong selection of produce, dairy, and pantry staples
• Weekly deals on popular items to maximize savings
• Beloved by locals for value and reliability

What to buy at Market Basket

Golden ripe bananas, vine ripe tomatoes, Old Croc Australian cheddar, Thomas’ English muffins, Oreo cookies, and other weekly specials. Check their weekly flyer for deals before you shop.

• Find a store near you: Market Basket locations

16. Save Mart / FoodMaxx / Lucky (California & Western States)

• Locations: Primarily California, with limited locations in Nevada

Save Mart Supermarkets operate under several names: Save Mart, S-Mart Foods, Lucky, and FoodMaxx. No matter which one you visit, you can find quality groceries at budget-friendly prices.

Here’s what makes these some of the best low-cost food stores:

• Strong private-label brands that save you money
• Good selection of fresh produce, meat, and pantry staples
• Organic and specialty items at competitive prices

Store brands to look for: Sunny Select, Market Essentials, Valu Time, Full Circle (organic), Master Cut (meat), Top Care (health/beauty).

What to buy at Save Mart Supermarkets

Stock up on pantry staples, fresh produce, meats, and their store-brand essentials to get the most value for your money.

• Find a store near you: Save Mart locations

These big-name stores might not always have the lowest prices, but they make up for it with loyalty programs, digital coupons, and other ways to save. If you shop smart, you can keep your grocery bill in check without sacrificing convenience or selection.

17. SuperValu (Midwest & Rural Markets)

• Locations: Operates mainly through independent and regional grocery stores across the Midwest

SuperValu has over 3,000 stores across the U.S. As the name suggests, they focus on giving you great value for the groceries you buy.

Here’s why SuperValu works for budget shoppers:

• Large national presence with 3,000+ locations
• Focus on value-oriented grocery shopping

What to buy at SuperValu

Pantry staples, frozen foods, fresh produce, dairy, and household essentials. Look for store-brand items for extra savings, and keep an eye on weekly deals for even more value.

Find a store near you: SuperValu locations

Dollar Stores & Online Grocery Options for Budget Shoppers

18. Dollar General – Grocery Basics at Discount Prices

Dollar General is one of the biggest dollar store chains in the U.S., with over 15,000 locations in 44 states. While it’s not a full grocery store, you can grab tons of food basics without breaking the bank.

Here’s what makes DG great for budget-friendly grocery shopping:

• Pantry staples and dry goods
• Frozen foods
• Dairy basics like milk, eggs, and butter
• Snacks and beverages
• Cleaning supplies and household items

They carry popular brands like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, General Mills, Kellogg’s, and Nestlé, along with their own budget-friendly labels.

• Find a store near you: Dollar General locations

19. Amazon Fresh – Grocery Delivery at Your Door

Amazon Fresh isn’t just for books and electronics, you can get fresh groceries delivered right to your door. While delivery fees can add up, it can still save money on certain items, especially if you already have Amazon Prime.

Here’s why Amazon Fresh is useful:

• Fresh meat, produce, and organic options
• Schedule delivery whenever it works for you
• Hand-delivered straight to your door
• Included with an Amazon Prime membership

Pro tip: Use these Amazon hacks to save money to maximize savings on groceries.

• Get started: Amazon Fresh

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Grocery Stores

Final Thoughts: Start Saving Today

With food prices predicted to climb another 2.7% this year, you can’t afford to shop on autopilot. Switching stores is the fastest “raise” you can give yourself. For a family of four, these small changes can put $5,000 back in your pocket by the end of 2026.

Pick one store on this list you’ve never been to. Go there this week for just your “staples” (milk, eggs, bread). Check the receipt against your old one. The numbers won’t lie.

Have you found a “secret” cheap store in your town that I missed? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your hacks!