14 Overpriced Walmart Items Retirees Should Skip

Superstores like Walmart are known for budget-friendly deals on everything from folding tables to flour. But that doesn't mean every buy is a bargain.

Now that you're retired, you need to protect your nest egg. While you can save money at Walmart, some items are more expensive than what you could pay elsewhere.

For retirees, the goal isn't simply to find the lowest sticker price. Comparing unit prices, package sizes, and store brands can help stretch a fixed budget further.

If you're living on a fixed income, here are 14 overpriced products to avoid (and a few affordable alternatives).

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

Price: $46.88

While you might have needed an extra-large dish rack when the nest was full, now that you're retired and your kids have flown the coop, you can get by with something smaller.

Even though this brand-name buy is stylish, it's also expensive. Skip this pick and score a 12-piece Sterlite dish drying rack/kitchen set for $12.18 (also at Walmart).

The OXO rack is built for a busy kitchen, with a stainless steel frame, flexible pegs, an adjustable drain board, and a removable utensil cup. Those features can be useful when you're washing a lot of dishes, but they may be more rack than a smaller household needs.

Price: $17.48

Generic sunscreen could protect your skin just as well as fancy brand-name products.

Swap this $17.48 six-ounce bottle for 5.5 ounces of Walmart's private-label line spray. At $4.88, the generic Equate deal is a steal.

The Equate alternative is a 5.5-ounce spray with SPF 50 and broad-spectrum protection. Walmart says it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and the product currently has a 4.6-star rating from more than 1,000 reviews. That makes the lower-cost option worth considering when you mainly want everyday sun protection without paying for the brand name. It is also a spray format, which can make application quicker when covering arms, legs, and other exposed areas.

Price: $26.59

Like Sephora and Ulta, Walmart sells upscale haircare products. Instead of overpaying for this 10.1-ounce bottle of high-end softening shampoo, nab 13 ounces of OGX Renewing Argon Oil Moisturizing Daily Shampoo for $6.97 on your next Walmart shopping trip.

OGX's 13-ounce shampoo is designed for dry, damaged hair and contains argan oil. The brand says the formula is made without sulfated surfactants, parabens, phthalates, microplastics, or dyes. That gives you a larger bottle while keeping the focus on moisturizing and strengthening dry hair. The larger bottle can also mean fewer replacement trips when shampoo is a regular part of your shopping list.

Price: $4.77

You don't have to pay brand-name prices just to stay healthy and hydrated. The 33.8-ounce cartons from Vita are overpriced compared to generics from other stores.

Aldi sells a six-pack of Simply Nature Organic Coconut Water (11.1-ounce containers) for $7.69. 

The Aldi option also gives you six individual cartons, which can be convenient if you want to keep a serving in the refrigerator or take one with you. At $7.69 for 66.6 ounces total, the current Aldi listing works out to about 11.5 cents per ounce, compared with about 14.1 cents per ounce for the 33.8-ounce Vita carton. Prices can vary by location and availability.

Price: $7.98

Don't waste your retirement savings on a pretty package and cute name. While this 24-ounce bottle of BBQ sauce does have a tangy taste shoppers adore, it isn't the best bargain. 

If you like Sweet Baby Ray's, the warehouse club can be a better place to stock up. We spotted a two-pack of 40-ounce bottles at Sam's Club for $6.78, giving you 80 ounces of sauce for less than the cost of the smaller Blues Hog bottle. Sweet Baby Ray's Original Barbecue Sauce has a sweet and smoky flavor that works for everything from burgers and ribs to chicken and dipping. The larger bottles are especially handy if you grill regularly or go through BBQ sauce quickly.

Price: $31.86

Your morning cup of coffee shouldn't break the bank. At $31.86, this 44-count of K-Cups is an overpriced item retirees may want to avoid. Trade the brand-name buy for a generic from Amazon. The online e-tailer's 100-count of Happy Belly Breakfast Blend pods is only $34.88.

The math makes the larger generic pack appealing if you regularly brew coffee at home. The Happy Belly option costs about 35 cents per pod at the stated price, compared with about 72 cents per Dunkin' pod. That's a difference of roughly 37 cents per cup, before considering any sales, subscriptions, or shipping costs.

Price: $19.97

A fixed income means extras are out. And this almost $20 set of clothes for your exterior accents is unnecessary.

But if you do want to dress up your darlings, here's a money-saving tip: Trade "goose outfits" for your grandchildren's outgrown baby and toddler clothes or make your own goose costumes. 

The Mainstays set is more of a decorative splurge than a household necessity. Reusing clothing you already have can also give you a chance to change the look without buying another set of accessories. A simple DIY approach lets you use scraps, old fabric, or other materials already around the house.

Price: $2.88

The 80-count of extra-absorbent napkins may seem like a deal. That is, until you check out the per-piece price for a warehouse club generic.

Compare $0.04 at Walmart to $0.01 each for Member's Mark Everyday Napkins at Sam's Club.

Napkins are a small recurring expense, so the unit price can matter more than the sticker price. If you regularly buy disposable napkins for everyday meals, parties, or outdoor dining, a warehouse-club pack can lower the cost of each sheet. Just make sure the larger package fits your storage space and that you will use it before the napkins become damaged or dried out.

Price: $18.97

Between clubs and course fees, you pay enough for golf. Save on gloves and switch out this brand-name pair for a four-pack from Sam's Member's Mark private-label line ($24.98).

The Member's Mark four-pack has a 4.5-star rating from 404 ratings on Sam's Club's site. The gloves are made from Cabretta leather and are designed for grip and long-lasting wear. If you play often, comparing the cost per glove can help you decide whether buying a multipack makes sense rather than replacing individual gloves. Sam's Club notes that prices can vary between the club and online, so check your local price.

Price: $234

You need a stove. You need a fridge. But you don't need an ice maker. Pass on this pricey product and freeze your own cubes. A two-pack of Mainstays stacking ice cube trays costs $2.43.

You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on an appliance just to keep your drinks cold. The Mainstays stacking ice cube trays offer a simple, budget-friendly alternative for making ice at home. A two-pack costs just $2.43, so you could buy multiple trays to fill and stack neatly in the freezer. The compact design makes it easy to keep a supply of cubes ready without taking up much space. If you're looking for a practical way to save money, skip the pricey ice maker and stick with these inexpensive trays. Sometimes the simplest kitchen solutions can be the most economical.

Price: $39.98

Just under $40 for a 12-piece dinnerware set is a bargain compared to what you could pay for a similar set from Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel. But that doesn't make it the best deal for retirees living on a tight budget.

Save money and skip this item. Walmart sells another 12-piece set (from Mainstays) for $13.88.

That's less than half the cost, leaving more money in your budget for groceries, household essentials, or other expenses. For retirees trying to stretch a fixed income, those savings can add up. The Mainstays set gives you the basic dinnerware you need without paying extra for a pricier brand. When your goal is to keep spending under control, choosing the less expensive set can make sense.

Price: $17.24

Pretty, yes? Affordable, no. Yes, this 50-by-50-inch cloth has a farmhouse-chic style that looks like it came from an upscale retailer. But it still isn't the best deal you could score at the superstore. Mainstays' 60-by-84-inch PEVA indoor/outdoor tablecloth is a much better bargain for $4.96.

The PEVA material also makes it a practical choice for everyday meals, casual gatherings, and outdoor dining. Its larger size gives you more table coverage than the smaller 50-by-50-inch option, so you're getting a useful upgrade without paying for a high-end name. For budget-conscious shoppers, Mainstays proves you don't need an expensive tablecloth to make a table look pulled together.

Price: $89

Walmart is stocked with affordable accents. Unfortunately, this is not one of them. For $89, the woven rattan floor lamp could break your budget. We found a similar style listed on Amazon for $59.99.

The woven lamp is a decorative choice rather than a must-have household purchase, so it is an easy place to trim spending. Before buying a new floor lamp, check whether you can move an existing lamp to the room or replace only a shade. If you still want the rattan look, comparing similar lamps across retailers can help you avoid paying extra for a style you can find elsewhere.

Price: $12.58

Are you a fan of fine fragrances? Even though this may seem like a good value, we found plenty of less expensive options. So, keep your nest egg where it belongs and pass on this product. A 20-ounce single-wick jar from Walmart's store-brand Mainstays only costs $6.77.

Candles can make a room feel finished, but they are also an easy category to trim when you're watching discretionary spending. A less expensive store-brand candle can still provide fragrance for a living room, bedroom, or entryway. If you burn candles regularly, compare the size, burn time, and cost per ounce rather than focusing only on the scent or packaging.

Even though Walmart has deals galore across the store, some of the so-called bargains aren't wallet-friendly for retirees living on a fixed income. If your retirement savings are stretched thin, this list could help you to save money.

Along with price shopping for the best deals, we've got a few other tips and tricks for lowering costs at this superstore. Swap brand-name buys for generics (like Equate and Great Value), look for "Rollbacks," and check endcaps for clearance items.

Small changes can add up when you're trying to make retirement income last. Before you buy, compare unit prices, check whether a store brand offers a similar product, and think about how often you'll actually use the item. A lower sticker price isn't always the better value, but you can often find savings by comparing the amount you're getting for each dollar.