I Brought the Same Shopping List to Dollar Tree & Dollar General - Here's Who Was The Clear Winner

Shoppers are feeling the effects of inflation everywhere, including at the dollar store. As the name implies, these retailers were once known for $1 price tags, but times have changed.

Between incremental increases and new "dollar plus" products, Dollar Tree and Dollar General are no longer true dollar stores. So, which one is a better value than the other?

I compared the cost, quantities, and quality of the most sought-after bargain buys. Keep reading to find out whether Dollar Tree or Dollar General made it easier for me to save money on groceries, everyday essentials, and a few unexpected extras.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Glassware

Winner: Dollar Tree

Pass on pricey Pottery Barn glassware and check out the deals on dollar store dupes. Instead of breaking my budget at a specialty store, I found a sleek, sophisticated martini glass at Dollar Tree for $1.50.

While the stores didn't have absolutely identical items, a similar "Margaritaville" cocktail glass costs twice as much at Dollar General ($3).

Pantry essentials

Winner: Dollar Tree

Flour, sugar, olive oil, and other everyday essentials are dollar-store staples that always land on my list. So which retailer had the best deals on pantry products?

A two-pound bag of Nancy Jane All-Purpose flour costs $1.50 at Dollar Tree. Dollar General sells the same size from Clover Valley for $1.65.

I also checked the prices of extra virgin olive oil. A bottle of Bertolli's EVOO is only $3.75 at Dollar Tree, while Dollar General's Clover Valley brand costs $1 more ($4.75).

Bottled beverages

Winner: Dollar Tree

Dollar stores make it easy to cut costs on everything from bottled water to juice. And while these are budget-friendly bargains, I'm always on the hunt for low-priced soda. That's why I added Dollar Tree's Stars & Stripes two-liter Sprite dupe (Stars and Stripes Lemon Lime Soft Drink) to my list.

For $1.25, it's less expensive than Starry's version at Dollar General ($2.95) and the retailer's generic cola ($1.50).

Paper party products

Winner: Dollar Tree

Planning a party? Here's my tip: Snag paperware from the dollar store. I found a 30-count pack of seven-inch paper plates and a 24-count pack of nine-inch paper plates at Dollar Tree for $1.25 each. Dollar General sells the nine-inch size for $1. But you'll only get 16 for that price.

In a price-per-piece comparison, Dollar Tree wins at $0.05 versus $0.06.

Skincare

Winner: Dollar Tree

Both of these stores sell skincare dupes galore. The often-viral products have a cult following and low price tags.

Dollar Tree's Deramsil Drunk Elephant eye serum, recovery cream, hydra serum, face oil, and jelly cleanser copycats are steals for $1.25 each. Dollar General's beloved Believe Beauty line is less expensive than Sephora or Ulta, but not as wallet-friendly as Dollar Tree. Most products are priced at $4.05 and up.

Haircare

Winner: Dollar Tree

Like skincare, both Dollar Tree and Dollar General have rotating stock of affordable haircare products that are almost identical to brand-name buys.

Dollar Tree's Personal Care Curl and Shine Shampoo ($3 for 12 ounces) is a dupe for Shea Moisture's Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Formula ($10.99 for 13 ounces at Target). Then there's Dollar General's Curl Rhythm copycat.

It's also a bargain compared to the real deal. But at $4.50 (for 10 ounces), it's still more expensive than Dollar Tree's version.

Cleaning supplies

Winner: Dollar General

Low prices on household cleaning essentials, organization items, and everything else I need to make my home shine? Yes, please. While both stores offer deals on laundry soap, mops, brooms, microfiber cloths, disinfectants, and more, only one has the best bargains.

A 16.9-ounce bottle of Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner costs $1.50 at Dollar Tree. The same item is only $1 at Dollar General.

Photo frames

Winner: Dollar Tree

Photo frames are a top item that I always look for at the dollar store. And at Dollar Tree, I can nab sophisticated styles that look like they came from Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel for $1.25. Comparable products at Dollar General cost $4 or more.

Candles

Winner: Dollar Tree

Candles aren't necessities. But these extras are splurges that don't have to break the bank.

I found a luxe eight-ounce amber scent in a tastefully textured jar with a glam gold lid for $1 at Dollar Tree. Dollar General's smaller seven-ounce Island Bliss candle costs $3.

Towels

Winner: Dollar Tree

Soft, cozy, cuddly, absorbent towels aren't just items you can find in specialty or department stores. While the quality of both dollar retailers' versions is debatable, the price still stands as an affordable alternative to brand-name buys.

You'll pay $3 for a bath towel from Dollar Tree's Home Collection line. A similar selection from Dollar General costs $5.

Small electronics

Winner: Dollar Tree

Earbuds, alarm clocks, and other small electronics are affordable options that I prefer to nab from a dollar or discount store.

I spotted the iConcepts Portable Bluetooth Speaker at Dollar Tree for $5. A slightly snazzier model with a color-changing light display costs $15 more at Dollar General. Even though the $20 find offers more features, you need to decide if the disco-like effect is worth the extra cost.

Bottom line

There you have it. The clear winner of my dollar store duel is definitely Dollar Tree.

Even though both of these discount retailers make it easy to keep your budget in check, I've got one more way I like to save. Use the best cash back credit cards on eligible purchases to score valuable points, perks, or rewards on your next shopping haul.

You May Also Like

$200 Bonus + Up to 5% Cash Back

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Member FDIC

SPONSORED

11 Weird Little Hacks Costco Shoppers Should Know

By FinanceBuzz Editors

10 Things Seniors Born Between 1941-1969 Could Take Advantage Of

By FinanceBuzz Editors

How To Save Money on Car Insurance: 12 Ways to Lower Rates

By Elyssa Kirkham

19 Dumbest Things Smart People Waste Money On

By Team FBZ

2026 Award Winner Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Benefits Card Details

• Low spend threshold for its welcome offer
• Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Apply Now

• Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Apply Now

on Wells Fargo's secure website

Rates and fees

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

+ -

Why we like it

• If you love earning cash rewards but prefer to avoid the hassle of tracking spending categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card could be a good option for you. Card members can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

• This card also offers a 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable. Those looking for straightforward rewards and an introductory APR will likely find value in this card.

• Apply Now

---

Subscribe Today

Learn how to make an extra $200

Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.

or

Subscribe Now →

By submitting this form you agree to receive emails from FinanceBuzz and to the privacy policy and terms