When it comes to saving money on everyday essentials, we always ask the never-ending question: Target or Walmart? While Target offers some incredible perks, such as popular name brands and trending styles, Walmart usually outdoes it with its low prices.
If your overall goal is to save money on household essentials and groceries, Walmart is generally the best option. Comparing prices before clicking "purchase" is one of the best Walmart shopping hacks we can't emphasize enough.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Great Value Laundry Detergent
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Price: $11.64
The next time you shop to restock your laundry room, make sure to head to Walmart first. You can pick up 154 fluid ounces of detergent for just under $12 from the chain's Great Value brand. This giant container can last you 107 loads of clean laundry.
Compare this to Target's Up & Up brand, which offers 146 fluid ounces of detergent for $15.89.
Great Value Paper Towels
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Price: $7.64
This one's a no-brainer. If your household runs quickly through paper towels, you're not going to want to spend more than $10 on a package of six rolls. Instead, head to Walmart for six triple rolls that provide three times as many sheets for a significantly lower price.
Meanwhile, at Target, a six-pack of paper towel rolls from the Up & Up brand is $14.99.
Crest 3D White Toothpaste
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Price: $4.97
Even name-brand items tend to be cheaper at Walmart. It may only be a few cents cheaper, but those savings do add up. When shopping for toiletries such as toothpaste, always double-check Walmart prices first. You can get the same Crest 3D White Advanced Toothpaste for just under $5.
Compare this to the same product at Target, which costs $5.39.
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Great Value Whole Milk
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Price: $4.90
The price differences even extend to groceries. Want to save more on your grocery bill? Walmart is the way to go. A gallon of whole milk from the Great Value brand is only $4.90. You might be surprised at how much you can save on every grocery run by switching to Walmart.
Meanwhile, Target's Good & Gather brand has the same item for $5.19.
Heinz Tomato Ketchup
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Price: $1.69
Who can say no to a $3 price difference? Shop your favorite food and name-brand products at Walmart, like Heinz ketchup. Currently, you can purchase a 32-ounce bottle for only $1.69, compared to $4.79 at Target.
You can even snag a two-pack for only $7.94 at Walmart.
Great Value Light Tasting Olive Oil
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Price: $5.94
Olive oil is one of those grocery items we dread purchasing, as it's usually much more expensive than other oils. However, shopping at Walmart will save you that hassle. You can grab a 17-ounce bottle of light-tasting olive oil for just under $6.
Don't overspend on this item at Target, where it's selling for $7.89 for only 16.9 ounces.
Mainstays Cotton Bed Sheet Set
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Price: $26.97
Want to save big on home items? Walmart's Mainstays line has every home essential you could need, from linens and storage to bathroom accessories and dinnerware. This 300-thread count cotton bed sheet set is a steal at only $26.97.
Compare this to Target's identical 300-thread cotton sheet set, priced at $41.99.
Great Value Multi-Purpose Cleaner
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Price: $2.77
While you're out, don't forget to stock up on your favorite cleaning supplies. Walmart's lemon-scented cleaning spray will keep your home smelling fresh all summer long. Plus, at only $2.77 for a 32-ounce bottle, it's an unbeatable deal.
You can purchase Lysol All Purpose Cleaner & Disinfectant Spray from Target for $3.99.
Fresh Strawberries
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Price: $4.78
Don't underestimate Walmart's produce section! If you live near a Walmart with grocery aisles, take advantage. These stores typically offer extremely affordable products, such as fresh strawberries, that you can take home and enjoy. This 2-pound container of fresh strawberries is just under $5.
You can purchase the same size carton from Target for $5.69.
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Great Value Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream
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Price: $2.97
It's the dead of summer, which means we're buying ice cream a bit more frequently than usual. Unsurprisingly, we would love to save wherever we can, so we opt for Walmart's ice cream prices instead of Target's. Pick up this delicious 48-ounce container of Homestyle Vanilla Ice Cream for only $2.97.
You'll want to choose this over Target's Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, which costs $3.49.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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August is here, and with it comes the final stretch of summer. It’s a great time to soak up the season and scoop up hot deals before they fade. Look for savings on:
- Travel and getaway must-haves
- Back-to-school basics
- Clearance swimwear and warm-weather styles
- For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and berries
As retailers shift their focus to fall, August is the last chance to snag summer essentials at unbeatable prices. Shop smart now before the season (and the savings) slip away.
Great Value Purified Drinking Water
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Price: $4.92
Stock up on hydration this summer with this 40-count package of purified drinking water from Walmart. At only $4.92 total, each water bottle comes down to just $0.07 per fluid ounce. Whether you're planning for a party or beach day, this pack will come in handy.
At Target, it's pricer. Their Good & Gather brand has a 32-pack of bottles for $5.49.
Hawaiian Tropic Spray Sunscreen SPF 30
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Price: $9.97
You'll be surprised at just how many name-brand beauty products are cheaper at Walmart. Hawaiian Tropic, for example, is nearly $3 cheaper. You can grab their Silk Hydration Weightless Sunscreen for just under $10.
Compare this to the same item at Target, available for $13.29.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Mainstays 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker
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Price: $15.88
There's no better feeling than saving money on an otherwise pricey appliance. There's also no need to break the bank to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in the morning. For just under $16, you can pick up a 12-cup coffee maker from Walmart.
That's a significantly cheaper option than Target's Gourmia 5-Cup One-Touch Switch Coffee Maker, which costs $26.99.
Bottom line
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If you love to shop at Target but can't always afford its name-brand prices, then it might be time to switch to Walmart if you haven't already. From groceries to beauty products, this massive chain is hard to beat.
Not only will you save on essentials, but you'll stretch your shopping budget, giving you the freedom to make more purchases in the future.
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