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7 Overpriced Walmart Items You Should Skip

Keep some cash in your pocket by skipping a stop at Walmart for these products.

Walmart store south San Francisco bay area
Updated Sept. 23, 2025
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Walmart can be a great option if you're looking for a variety of products, making it a convenient one-stop shopping trip.

But it doesn't always have the best prices, and you could save money on essentials, groceries, and other items by shopping elsewhere. So, consider skipping these items the next time you're at Walmart.

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Name-brand cosmetics

billtster/Adobe Walmart retail store interior

Cosmetics can be pricey, but Walmart occasionally offers deals for extra beauty savings.

It's a good idea to also check dollar stores for cosmetics. The stores may not have specific colors or items, but you can find some good deals on name brands if you are flexible and willing to dig through the dollar-store options.

Produce

Happy Hues/Adobe Woman picking fresh onion

Walmart has a good selection of groceries, but produce isn't its strong suit in some cases when it comes to quality or price.

You may find better and cheaper options at your local grocery store. For example, a banana at Walmart costs 28 cents compared to 17 cents at Aldi.

Wrapping paper

Nona Liuter/Adobe A girl in a red sweater

It's always good to have some wrapping paper on hand during seasonal holidays or for a birthday party.

Walmart's rolls are typically around $4, and you can usually get wrapping paper at Dollar Tree for $1.25. 

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

imtmphoto/Adobe woman with shopping bags at mall

October is here, bringing crisp air, cozy vibes, and the countdown to Halloween. As the season shifts, so do the savings, making it the perfect time to refresh your home, wardrobe, and pantry with autumn-ready finds. Look for deals on:

  • Cold-weather layers
  • Fall decor and seasonal home goods
  • Halloween costumes, candy, and party supplies
  • For grocery savings, grab peak-fall produce, like apples, squash, cranberries, and sweet potatoes

With holiday prep just around the corner, October is a great time to stock up early, take advantage of early seasonal promos before the big rush begins, and ease into the year-end rush with smart buys.

Television

billtster/Adobe walmart store interior

A new television can be expensive, so shop around before buying one from Walmart.

You may be surprised by the price difference compared to a members-only club like Costco. A 32-inch Hisense television costs $128 at Walmart compared to the members-only price of $99.99 at Costco.

Books

Jammy Jean/Adobe Fiction books by Christopher Paolini

Walmart has a wide selection of new books you can choose from to add to your home library or take with you on the road.

However, there are more affordable options that can save you money, such as used books, or consider taking advantage of your local library and checking out your next novel or non-fiction book for free.

Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill

Arnell Koegelenberg/peopleimages.com/Adobe woman using smartphone at grocery store

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.

Seasonal decorations

anoushkatoronto/Adobe Holiday festive decoration

Decorations can be a great way to spruce up your home for the holidays, but some prices could cause some sticker shock. 

Dollar General often offers similar holiday products to Walmart, but at a lower price. 

Toilet paper

Happy Hues/Adobe Woman picking bathroom tissue

Stock up on toilet paper at other stores to keep more cash in your wallet.

You can find options at Dollar General that are cheaper than those at Walmart on a per-roll basis. For example, Smart and Simple Bath Tissue is available for $1 at Dollar General for six rolls, compared to Great Value's pack of six rolls, which costs $6.98. 

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Bottom line

Refrina/Adobe walmart store exterior

Walmart may not be as cheap as you think when it comes to some items, so consider finding ways to save money by shopping elsewhere.

You should also consider double-checking your wallet to ensure you have the best cash back credit cards, allowing you to keep some extra money when shopping at Walmart.

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