Oct 29, 2026

Trader Joe’s vs. Whole Foods: Which Grocer Wins for a $75 Budget?

Two popular grocers. One budget. Who wins?

Whole Foods continues to earn its reputation as one of the most expensive places to shop for groceries. In a showdown between Trader Joe’s — which isn’t exactly cheap — and the upscale chain with the nefarious nickname Whole Paycheck, you may not be surprised that your money stretches farther at Trader Joe’s for many common items.

To set a budget, MoneyLion used $75 per week which represents the upper limit of a single individual’s weekly grocery budget according to the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan (TFP).

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Much of the list is organic which is a big reason for shopping at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. Here’s how a $75 weekly haul at both grocers plays out.

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Pasture-Raised Eggs (Large)

Whole Foods store brand: $6.29
Trader Joe’s store brand: $5.99

Organic Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 Pound)

Whole Foods store brand: $7.99
Trader Joe’s store brand: $7.49

Organic Ketchup (24 Ounces)

Whole Foods store brand: $3.49
Trader Joe’s store brand: $2.49

Orange Juice (54 Fluid Ounces)

Whole Foods store brand: $6.49
Trader Joe’s store brand: $4.79

Filet Mignon (1 Pound)

Whole Foods store brand: $35.99
Trader Joe’s store brand: $24.99

Organic Hummus (8 Ounces)

Whole Foods store brand: $3.49
Trader Joe’s store brand: $2.99

Roasted, Salted Mixed Nuts (1 Pound)

Whole Foods store brand: $11.99
Trader Joe’s store brand: $11.54 ($6.49/9oz.)

Combined Cost Comparison

Whole Foods: $75.73
Trader Joe's: $60.28

Bottom Line

A Consumer Reports study found that Trader Joe’s is 24.6% more expensive than the average supermarket, represented by Walmart. Whole Foods is 39.7% more expensive than average, the priciest chain among 35 profiled, and around 12% costlier than Trader Joe's. This shopping list costs 25.63% more at Whole Foods, more than double the overall percentage gap between it and Trader Joe’s cited in a Consumer Reports study.

You’d save $15.45 by buying this list at Trader Joe’s in a week or more than $800 in a year.

Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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Written by

Andrew Lisa

Andrew has been writing professionally since 2001.

Edited by

Angela Corry

Angela is a seasoned personal finance editor with deep expertise in economic trends, government programs and financial markets. As managing editor, she leads a team of high-performing writers and editors, shaping smart, accessible coverage that helps readers make confident money decisions. Previously, Angela held senior editorial roles at TheCelebrityCafe.com and Inquisitr.com, where she managed large distributed teams and built data-driven content strategies across a variety of news genres. When she’s not editing, Angela runs a homemade jam side business, experimenting with seasonal flavors and selling small-batch preserves at local markets and craft fairs.