Rachel Cruze: How To Beat Rising Food Costs by Shopping at Costco, Aldi and Walmart

It’s not your imagination: Groceries are getting increasingly expensive even if you stick to a careful budget each month. 

The price increase was already notable in 2023, when money expert Rachel Cruze created a YouTube video that took a closer look at three retailers where most people shop for groceries — Costco, Aldi and Walmart. GOBankingRates decided to take a look at how the prices of some of these most frequently purchased grocery items compared in 2024.

Also see these four grocery items that experts say you should never pay more than $4 for.

When Cruze initially created her list, math broke down for bulk soda purchases in the following ways:

• Walmart: $3.68 for a 12-pack of 12-ounce cans
• Aldi: $3.49 for a 12-pack of 12-ounce cans
• Costco: $12.59 for a 35-pack of 12-ounce cans

After reviewing this math, Cruze said the winning grocery chain for soda was Aldi.

The 2024 prices break down with Aldi still on top.

• Walmart: $7.28 for a 12-pack of 12-ounce cans
• Aldi: $4.75 for a 12-pack of 12-ounce cans
• Costco: $18.99 for a 30-pack of 7.5-ounce cans

In her initial video, Cruze compared different types of Cheerios that can be purchased at these chains:

• Great Value Honey Nut O’s (Walmart): $1.29 for a 21.6-ounce box
• Crispy Oats (Aldi): $2.27 for a 12-ounce box
• Cheerios (Costco): $6.29 for two boxes (totaling 40 ounces altogether)

“After looking at all the costs per ounce,” Cruze said, “Walmart is the winner since it has 21.6 ounces.”

How does it all stack up in 2024? Looks out Aldi has snatched the crown.

• Great Value Honey Nut O’s (Walmart): $2.97 for a 21.6-ounce box
• Crispy Oats (Aldi): $1.85 for a 12-ounce box
• Cheerios (Costco): $8.49 for two boxes (totaling 40 ounces altogether)

• Walmart: $2.37 for a 15-ounce bag
• Aldi: $1.88 for a 10-ounce bag
• Costco: $5.29 for a 32-ounce bag

After looking at the prices, Costco was the better deal last year. But what about this year? Looks it still offers a good deal in price per ounce.

• for a 15-ounce bag
• Aldi: $1.99 for a 10-ounce bag
• Costco: $7.59 for a 32-ounce bag

• Walmart: $3.32 for one gallon
• Aldi: $2.97 for one gallon
• Costco: $3.62 for one gallon

Aldi is obviously the cheapest last year. Comparing this year’s prices, Walmart is the champion.

• Walmart: $2.69 for one gallon
• Aldi: $2.89 for one gallon
• Costco: $3.24 for one gallon

• Walmart: $2.90 for a dozen eggs
• Aldi: $2.99 for a dozen eggs
• Costco: $4.29 for two dozen eggs 

Which retailer had the best value on eggs? After doing the math, Cruze said it’s Costco. This is because Costco cost $2.14 for a dozen eggs, which was 76 cents cheaper than Walmart’s dozen eggs. Prices for eggs seem to have gone down at Walmart and Aldi, evening the odds of finding a good deal.

• Walmart: $1.78 for a dozen eggs
• Aldi: $1.69 for a dozen eggs
• Costco: $4.29 for two dozen eggs 

• Walmart: $3.47 for 40 ounces
• Aldi: $3.39 for 40 ounces
• Costco: $9.99 for 46 ounces (pack of two)

Last year’s winner, at 8.5 cents per ounce, was Aldi. This year, it looks Aldi still has the best fix for any peanut butter fiend.

• Walmart: $6.27 for 40 ounces
• Aldi: $4.35 for 40 ounces
• Costco: $12.99 for two-pack of 28 ounces each

• Walmart: $1 for 20 ounces
• Aldi: 99 cents for 20 ounces
• Costco: $4.69 for 40 ounces (two loaves)

Last year, Walmart and Aldi were about tied for having a lower price. This year, Walmart edges ahead by only $0.03.

• Walmart: $1.42 for 20 ounces
• Aldi: $1.45 for 20 ounces
• Costco: $6.69 for 40 ounces (two loaves of Nature’s Own Butter Bread)

• Walmart: $2.98 for 11 ounces
• Aldi: $6.49 for 30.5 ounces
• Costco: $15.99 for three pounds

Aldi was the winner at 21 cents per ounce when Cruze made her original video. This year, Aldi still wins.

• Walmart: $4.96 for 12 ounces
• Aldi: $4.65 for 12 ounces
• Costco: $12.99 for 43.5 ounces

• Walmart: $2.08 for 13 ounces
• Aldi: $1.49 for 13 ounces
• Costco: $9.99 for 23 ounces

When surveying these three popular grocers for their chocolate chip cookies, Cruze said the winner was Aldi for 11 cents per ounce. This year, Walmart seems to offer a better bargain per ounce.

• Walmart: $2.79 for 16 ounces
• Aldi: $2.35 for 13 ounces
• Costco: $11.99 for a 24 count

• Walmart: $3.48 for a 24-pack
• Aldi: $3.79 for a 24-pack
• Costco: $4.19 for a 40-pack

“For sure the winner here is Costco,” Cruze said. Not much has changed this year.

• Walmart: $3.64 for a 24-pack
• Aldi: $4.09 for a 24-pack
• Costco: $4.19 for a 40-pack

• Walmart: $1.74 for a six-pack
• Aldi: $1.43 for a six-pack
• Costco: $14.59 for a 48-pack

Cruze initially declared the winner, at 24 cents per bar, to be Aldi. It’s still the best option for a lower price compared to Walmart even if you buy two to get 16 bars. Costco could be a good option if your family really likes breakfast bars.

• Walmart: $6.12 for a 10-pack
• Aldi: $2.48 for an eight-pack
• Costco: $14.59 for a 48-pack

• Walmart: $4.22 for 15 ounces
• Aldi: 79 cents for 12 ounces
• Costco: $13.99 for 3.8 pounds

Aldi was the winner, breaking down to just eight cents per ounce. It’s still the best option for hot dog lovers who want a great price.

• Walmart: $3.97 for a 10-pack
• Aldi: $1.09 for 12 ounces
• Costco: $14.99 for 28 beef franks

Editor’s note: Cruze’s video was shared in 2022 and the 2024 prices cited may have changed across these categories. Prices are up to date as of June 17, 2024. Check in with your local Walmart, Aldi and Costco locations for the most up-to-date pricing.