Walmart vs. Target: We Compared 8 Items — Here’s Which Is Cheaper
Everyone has their big-box store favorites, so when it comes to saving money on groceries and household essentials, most shoppers end up choosing between popular options like Walmart and Target. Both are go‑to spots for low prices, weekly deals and everyday basics, but which one is actually cheaper in 2026?
To find out, MoneyLion compared eight common items people buy all the time, from groceries to cleaning supplies, looking at average prices, store brands and overall value. The results are closer than you might think.
Check Out: Walmart vs. Sam's Club: Who Has Better Household Deals in 2026?
For You: 8 Low-Effort Ways to Make Passive Income (You Can Start This Week)
A Gallon of 2% Milk
Walmart’s Great Value 2% Reduced Fat Milk: $2.98
Target’s Good & Gather 2% Reduced Fat Milk: $2.99
Winner: Walmart
There’s no use crying over the increasing price of milk, but the good news is you can still comparison shop to find the best price out there. The Great Value milk from Walmart is usually priced lower than most competitors. This includes Target’s Good & Gather milk, which is decent quality and very close in price at just 1 cent more.
Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Eggs
Walmart’s Vital Farms Pasture Raised Grade A Brown Eggs: $6.46
Target’s Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Grade A Large Eggs: $6.69
Winner: Walmart
Egg prices still fluctuate and are often the gauge most people use to track skyrocketing food costs. This is another tight race, but Walmart edges out Target once again for about a quarter. However, small differences add up fast.
A Loaf of Sourdough Bread
Walmart’s Essential Baking Classic Sliced Sourdough Bread (16 ounces): $4.98
Target’s Favorite Day Sliced Sourdough Bread (17 ounces): $4.19
Winner: Target
Store-brand or bakery bread is a weekly must-buy for most households. However, you don’t have to survive on the Wonder Bread diet to get high-quality carbs. Target wins this round thanks to its loaf providing more quality for less.
6-Pack of Bounty Paper Towels
Walmart’s Bounty Paper Towels Select-A-Size White, 6 Triple Rolls: $16.94
Target’s Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels, 6 Triple Rolls: $16.99
Winner: Walmart
Good old paper products are a key household expense, and one where bulk buying matters. For a name-brand find like Bounty, Walmart comes in a few cents cheaper for the same amount.
Tide Evo Laundry Detergent Tiles
Walmart’s Tide Evo Laundry Detergent Tiles (16-count): $9.94
Target’s Tide Evo Original Laundry Detergent Tiles (16-count): $9.99
Winner: Walmart
Prices can vary depending on weekly deals, but for these 100% concentrated, easy-to-use and all-in-one laundry solution tiles, Walmart ever so slightly beats Target in price by a nickel. Walmart does seem to have consistently lower base prices on big-name brands like Tide; however, Target offers strong promotions and gift card deals that can occasionally tip the scales.
Lay's Wavy Original Party Size Potato Chips
Walmart’s Lay's Wavy Original Potato Chips, Party Size: $4.77
Target’s Lay's Wavy Original Party Size Potato Chips: $5.19
Winner: Walmart
Snack prices matter, especially for families. Shopping for the best deal lets you lean into the munchies without it eating away at your grocery budget. Again, Walmart comes out ahead for offering lower prices per ounce on name-brand snacks, but if you want to switch it up, Target has a great variety of trendy and specialty snacks.
3-Pack of Clorox Disinfecting and Cleaning Wipes
Walmart’s Clorox Disinfecting and Cleaning Wipes, Crisp Lemon and Fresh Scent: $12.78
Target’s Clorox Lemon & Fresh Cleaning & Disinfecting Wipes Value Pack: $12.99
Winner: Walmart
Even if it’s only saving 21 cents on disinfecting wipes, every penny pinched is a penny earned. Walmart’s lower everyday pricing on most brands wins against Target’s pricing for the same product. However, Target does offer more stylish or eco-conscious options than Walmart if that is on your grocery list.
Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Walmart’s Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner Set: $8.47
Target’s Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle: $9.49
Winner: Walmart
Beauty products are a category where convenience and deals both matter. So, if your main goal is to save money on groceries and household essentials, Walmart is usually the cheaper option in 2026. Its everyday pricing consistently beats Target on staples. However, if you’re willing to shop sales, stack deals or prioritize slightly higher-quality store brands, Target can still deliver solid value and variety, just not always at the lowest price.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion:
How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires — and How You Can, Too
7 Kirkland Signature Items at Costco Worth Buying This Spring
4 Financial Decisions Young Adults Make That Are Hardest To Undo
