I Brought the Same List to Walgreens & CVS - Here's Who Was The Clear Winner

The rising cost of everything from OTC meds to beauty buys makes shopping on a budget challenging. That's why I did the legwork and compared prices at two of the top drugstore chains: Walgreens and CVS.

Which of these stores makes it easier to save on groceries, everyday essentials, health products, and more? After bringing the same list to both stores and tallying the total, one came out on top. Keep reading to find out which retailer I crowned the winner.

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

Pain relievers

Both stores offer deals on generic private-label pain relievers, making these items less expensive than comparable brand-name buys (like Tylenol or Advil). But which retailer was the best value?

A 24-count bottle of Walgreens 200 mg ibuprofen caplets sells for $4.49. You'll pay $0.20 more ($4.69) for the same CVS generic.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a year-round health/beauty buy that protects your skin from UV damage. I found a 5.5-ounce bottle of Walgreens store-brand Sports Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 50 for $8.99. A similar generic SPF 50 Sport spray (also in the 5.5-ounce size) costs $9.49 at CVS.

Skincare

Skip pricey specialty-store skincare and stock up on generics at one of these drugstores. Not sure which retailer has the best deals on creams, lotions, and masks?

For $14.99, I found a 16-ounce container of Walgreens Advanced Moistruzing Cream that's fragrance-free, making it perfect for my sensitive skin. CVS sells an almost identical product from its private-label line for $1 more.

Toothpaste

I'm a fan of Sensodyne, but I don't love the high price. That's why I looked for the generic versions at both of these drugstores. Walgreens sells Restore and Defend Sensitive Fluoride Toothpaste for $5.99. CVS's version costs $6.59.

Bottled water

Both Walgreens and CVS have limited grocery sections. Even though you won't find the same supersized selection that retailers like Walmart and Target stock, you can get a 24-pack of Nice! Purified Water (16.9-ounce bottles) for $4.19 at Walgreens. In comparison, CVS sells Well Market's 24-count for $5.99.

Cookies

Drugstores sell more than OTC meds and healthcare products. I found an eight-ounce pack of Nice! Soft-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies at Walgreens for $1.99. A slightly larger 10-ounce box of Gold Emblem Chocolate Chip Cookies from CVS costs almost $2 more ($5.79).

Nutritional supplements

From vitamin C to zinc, I spotted a bounty of supplements at these stores. But for this list, I narrowed my choices down to one item: Calcium.

At Walgreens, a 500-count of generic 600 mg Calcium tablets with 20 mcg of D3 costs $22.99. CVS sells a 400-count for $21.49. In a price-per-pill showdown, Walgreens comes out ahead.

Cereal

While I typically prefer to buy generics, nothing tastes the same as name-brand Cheerios. Even though both stores are more expensive than Walmart, Target, and similar big-box retailers, Walgreens had a lower price than CVS ($7.99 versus $9.59 for an 18-ounce box).

Haircare

Drugstores offer a range of haircare products, including salon-quality stylers, luxe treatment masks, and rich, creamy conditioners. I pitted Walgreens 2-in-1 Everyday Clean Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner against CVS's version.

The Walgreens store brand costs $7.49 for 23.7 ounces (or $0.32 per ounce), and CVS charges $5.79 for 12.5 ounces of the Head & Shoulders dupe (or $0.46 per ounce).

Paper towels

Keep your home clean for less. Walgreens sells a two-count of its store-brand paper towels for $3.99, while the same size pack from Total Home costs $5.49 at CVS.

First aid items

Bandages, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, and other first aid items are always on my drugstore shopping list. This time I compared prices on generic gauze. CVS came out ahead, with a price of $4.79 for a 25-count of two-by-two-inch strips. The same quanitty/size costs $5.99 at Walgreens.

Cough drops

Cough drops are a must-have item during cold season. I snagged a 200-count of Walgreens' cherry-flavored drops for $7.99. CVS sells a smaller 160-count for $7.29. That makes Walgreens the winner by a fraction of a cent.

Allergy medications

Generic OTC allergy meds can save you money over the cost of Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, and other popular brand names.

I compared the prices of the private-label line version of Claritin at both stores. A 30-count of Walgreens loratadine capsules costs $17.99. CVS charges $19.49 for the same item/same quantity.

Nitrile gloves

Whether you're cleaning your home or caring for a sick family member, nitrile gloves can come in "handy." Walgreens sells a 100-piece bulk buy for $24.99. But at CVS, you can nab the same generic for $21.49.

Bottom line

So there you have it. With a few exceptions, Walgreens makes it easier to keep more cash in your wallet.

While price shopping for the best deals is an easy way to save money, it isn't the only strategy I use to stay on budget. Here's an easy-to-follow hint that helps me to keep costs under control: Compare online and in-store prices before you buy. You could score special web-only deals, making it cheaper and more convenient to shop from home.

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