5 Most Overpriced Necessities at Amazon That You Should Always Get Elsewhere
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
For many shoppers, Amazon is the go-to for convenience and it’s often assumed that it offers money-saving prices. That may be true sometimes, but not always. Comparing prices and checking unit costs across retailers like Walmart, Target and Dollar Tree can reveal that everyday necessities often cost more on Amazon than elsewhere.
Sugar
- Price: $19.99
Although Amazon can offer some pretty sweet deals, it’s not the place to buy sugar. Although you can purchase a 4-pound bag of Great Value granulated sugar at Walmart for $3.07, 4 pounds of sugar on Amazon is over twice that much (or more) depending on the brand you purchase.Â
Freezer Bags
- Price: $9.70
You might think Amazon Basics would have a great deal on gallon-size freezer bags, but Walmart has a much better price on its Great Value gallon-size freezer bags at $4.96. Its bags are about 6 cents per bag, while the Amazon Basics brand bags are almost twice as much at 11 cents per bag.Â
Glass Cleaner
- Price: $5.17
Although you can pick up two bottles of Amazon Basics glass cleaner for $5.17 or 8 cents per fluid ounce, Walmart’s single bottles of Great Value glass cleaner can help you save more at $1.48 or between 4 cents and 5 cents per ounce.Â
Cotton Swabs
- Price: $2.78
You can buy cotton swabs at multiple stores, but one of the best deals is at Dollar Tree — 300-count Assured cotton swabs for $1.25 or about 4 cents each. A package of 500-count Amazon Basics Cotton Swabs are closer to 6 cents each and cost $2.78 per package.
White Vinegar
- Price: $9.29
White vinegar is great for cleaning, but Amazon isn’t the best place to buy it. A gallon of Iberia distilled white vinegar is $9.29 or 7 cents per fluid ounce. At Target, one gallon of Good & Gather white distilled vinegar is $2.99 or 5 cents per fluid ounce — you definitely get less for what you pay on Amazon.Â
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
More From GOBankingRates
- 5 Luxurious Winter Clothing Items You Can Find at Costco for LessÂ
- 5 Little Luxuries To Buy at Dollar Tree This DecemberÂ
- 4 Low-Risk Accounts Financially Savvy People Trust for Reliable Returns - And How You Can Use ThemÂ
- How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires -- and How You Can, Too
