The cheapest grocery stores in the U.S. for budget-friendly shopping

Grocery bills are one of the biggest recurring expenses for families, and with prices still rising, finding ways to save is more important than ever. Whether you’re feeding a growing teen, stocking up on snacks for after-school hangouts, or planning family dinners, knowing where to shop can help your dollars go further.

We reviewed recent rankings and data-driven analyses, including the MarketForce shopper survey and Dunnhumby's Retailer Preference Index, to round up the cheapest grocery stores nationwide. Plus, we’ll share strategies to stretch your budget even further, no matter where you shop.

National chains known for low prices

These larger grocery store chains are known for their rock-bottom pricing and are worth shopping at if you have one near you.

#1 family finance and safety app.

#1 family finance and safety app.

Teach your kids and teens to earn, save, and invest with Greenlight.

Use code GLBLOG for one month, on us.*

Try Greenlight today

Aldi

Aldi consistently ranks at or near the top of affordability lists. Its no-frills model, private-label focus, and expansion across the U.S. help keep costs low. According to recent surveys, Aldi is one of the top grocers for value and continues to expand in states where budget-conscious families need more options.

WinCo Foods

WinCo, the employee-owned chain, ranks highly in MarketForce’s national survey for its bulk bins and consistently low everyday pricing. Families in the western U.S. especially value WinCo for staples like beans, rice, and pantry goods.

Grocery Outlet

Grocery Outlet has been called one of the steepest discounters in the nation. Data from Progressive Grocer shows its groceries are priced as much as 30% below average in some markets. With constantly changing inventory, it’s ideal for bargain hunters who don’t mind surprises.

Walmart

As the largest grocer in the U.S., Walmart continues to score high in affordability surveys. While prices vary regionally, Walmart reliably offers lower-than-average prices on packaged goods, snacks, and essentials, making it a go-to for many families.

Lidl and Trader Joe’s

Both Lidl and Trader Joe’s appear regularly in affordability rankings. Lidl is expanding in the U.S. and often competes with Aldi on price. Trader Joe’s, while not always the absolute cheapest, wins on value for unique items and strong private-label pricing.

Regional grocery stores that stand out

These regional favorites offer good deals and come highly ranked in affordability. 

• Market Basket (New England): Frequently recognized in national studies as one of the cheapest regional chains in the U.S., according to Dunnhumby. 

• H-E-B (Texas): Ranked first overall in Dunnhumby’s 2024 Retailer Preference Index for balancing low prices with quality and customer satisfaction.

• Meijer (Midwest): Offers strong value on groceries and general merchandise, making it a convenient one-stop shop.

• Food 4 Less (West & Midwest): A Kroger-owned discount chain with competitive pricing on fresh and packaged goods.

Warehouse clubs: Bulk savings for big families

For families with the space to store bulk purchases, Costco and Sam’s Club can yield big savings. Market studies regularly list them among the best for value, particularly on meat, snacks, and household staples. Just weigh these warehouse membership fees against your family’s actual use to ensure you come out ahead.

Tips to save even more at the grocery store

Besides choosing a budget-friendly grocery store, take these smart shopping tips into account when shopping for your weekly grocery haul. 

• Use store apps and loyalty programs. Digital coupons, fuel points, and app-only deals add up quickly.

• Plan meals and make a list. Sticking to a list prevents impulse buys and ensures you only buy what you’ll actually use.

• Shop seasonal produce. Fruits and vegetables in season are fresher and cheaper.

• Don’t overlook store brands. Private-label products often match name-brand quality at a fraction of the price.

Smart shopping, smarter families

Families have plenty of options to cut grocery costs — from shopping at discount chains like Aldi and WinCo to bulk buys at Costco. Pairing smart store choices with planning tools helps every dollar go further. And when kids join in on the comparison shopping, the whole family gains skills that last well beyond the checkout line.

Want to budget as a family? Teach your kids essential budgeting skills with Greenlight’s award-winning educational money app.Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.† 

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.