Walmart vs Target: 6 Deals That Prove Where You Should Shop
Written by
Madeline Duley
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
Target and Walmart go hand-in-hand as beloved retailers across the U.S., offering convenience, vast product offerings and constant circulations of deals. However, when it coemes to maximizing your savings, sticking to just one of these stores may be a costly mistake.
To help you stretch your dollar, here’s a look at some products where one retailer offers a better price than the other. If you can shop at both stores, you can pocket some serious savings by choosing the right store for each item.
Also Walmart and Target seem to be competing with dollar stores — here’s why.
Energy Drinks
For many, a morning energy drink is non-negotiable, so knowing where to stock up can lead to long-term savings. While paying a little extra for can won’t break the bank, over time, it adds up.
“At Walmart, you can grab an Alani Energy Drink for $2.48,” said Joanie Demer, the Krazy Coupon Lady. “If you buy it at Target, the same Alani Energy Drink will run you $2.59. If you pay with a Target Circle Card, it’ll drop to $2.46 — just 2 cents cheaper than Walmart.”
Pizza
After long days, easy dinners are essential. Frozen pizza is a budget-friendly way to feed the family that’s much cheaper than eating out. But for the best deal, head to Target.
“At Walmart, a Digiorno Personal Pan Pepperoni Pizza is $3.97,” Demer said. “At Target it’s regularly $3.99, but this week you can grab them BOGO 25% off. Pay with a Target Card, sand save an additional 5%, making the two pizzas $6.96 at Target versus $7.94 at Walmart.”
Milk
Like cream in your morning coffee? For all your milk needs, Target’s private-label brand offers the best bang for your buck. Just look for Good & Gather in the dairy section to save.
“Target comes out ahead of Walmart with their store brand Good & Gather Whole Milk, one gallon for [currently] $2.59,” Demer said. “Pay as low as $2.46, when you pay with a Target Circle Card. Walmart sells their one-gallon Great Value Whole Milk for $2.97, losing to Target by 38 cents — 51 cents.”
Diapers
For families with little ones, last minute diaper runs are inevitable. While both retailers are carry budget-friendly options, Wamart is the clear winner for value.
“When it comes to brand-name diapers, Walmart comes out way ahead, Demer said. “Parent’s Choice Dry & Gentle Diapers is $17.48 (or 11 cents per diaper), while Target’s up&up Absorbent & Soft Diapers is $25.99 (15 cents per diaper). Even with Target’s get $5 when you spend $30 Target Circle deal on diapers, you could buy two boxes of the 168-count diapers and still not beat Walmart’s price.”
Advil
Headaches and fevers have a knack for sneakily coming up out of nowhere. To keep your medicine cabinet stocked–without seriously overspending–pick up Advil at Walmart.
“Advil Liqui-Gels Pain Relievers (40-count pack, 200 mg each pill) can be found at both stores, but you will pay $16.85 at Target and $6.37 at Walmart, making Walmart the clear better choice for this product from a cost comparison perspective,” Smith said. “With a price difference of over $10 per bottle, purchasing this product at Target would be a costly mistake.”
Play-Doh
Having an extra craft project on hand is key for most parents. Whether you need a last-minute birthday gift or an enriching distraction for the kids, Target offers the best deal.
“Get a Play-Doh Swirlin’ Smoothies Blender Set on sale for $7.13 (regularly $9.97) at Walmart, which is almost $2.60 more expensive than Target’s price of [currently] $4.79 for the Play-Doh Swirlin’ Smoothies Blender Set,” Demer said. “Pay with a Target Circle and drop the price down to $4.55.”
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
