Costco has built its reputation around bulk savings, but that doesn’t mean every item on your shopping list is automatically cheaper there. In fact, some everyday staples can cost less at Walmart, particularly when you compare the price by ounce, pound, or individual item.
That distinction matters because Costco’s larger packages can make the total price look like a bargain even when another retailer has the lower unit price. And if you don’t have a big household—or simply don’t need several pounds of something at once—the cheaper upfront option can make more sense, too.
Here are 11 grocery staples worth checking at Walmart before you make your next Costco run.
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1. Greek Yogurt
You don't necessarily have to buy a giant container of yogurt to get a good deal. Walmart's Great Value plain nonfat Greek yogurt comes in a smaller package, but its price works out to slightly less per ounce than Costco's Kirkland Signature version.
The price check:
- Walmart: Great Value Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt — $3.78 for 32 ounces
- Costco: Kirkland Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt — $5.89 for 48 ounces
Best bet: Walmart, based on the listed price per ounce.
2. Bacon
Bacon is another example of why bulk shopping doesn't always guarantee the lowest unit price. Costco's Kirkland Signature bacon comes in a four-pound package, while Walmart's Great Value Lower Sodium Bacon is sold by the pound.
That means Walmart shoppers can pay less per pound without having to find freezer space for four pounds of bacon.
The price check:
- Walmart: Great Value Lower Sodium Bacon — $3.94 per pound
- Costco: Kirkland Signature Bacon — $4.25 per pound
Best bet: Walmart.
3. Marinara Sauce
If pasta night is a regular occurrence in your house, compare the price of the sauce before grabbing Costco's multi-pack. Kirkland's organic marinara comes as three large jars, but Walmart's Great Value organic version has the lower cost per ounce.
The difference is small on an individual purchase, but it adds up for shoppers who regularly buy pantry staples.
The price check:
- Walmart: Great Value Organic Marinara — $1.98 for 23.5 ounces
- Costco: Kirkland Signature Organic Marinara — $9.99 for three 32-ounce jars
Best bet: Walmart for the lower listed price per ounce.
4. Pasta
Pasta is one of those pantry staples that's easy to stock up on, but Costco isn't necessarily the cheapest place to do it. The listed Costco option works out to about nine cents per ounce, while Walmart's Great Value pasta is closer to six cents.
For households that go through pasta quickly, the difference may be worth considering.
The price check:
- Walmart: Great Value Rigatoni — $5.88 for six 16-ounce packages
- Costco: Garofalo Organic Pasta — $10 for six 17.6-ounce packages
Best bet: Walmart.
5. Whole Chicken
Buying a whole chicken at Walmart can save you money per pound, while also giving you the option to purchase just one bird rather than committing to a larger quantity.
The Walmart option listed here isn't organic, so shoppers should keep that distinction in mind when comparing the two products.
The price check:
- Walmart: Marketside Cage-Free No Antibiotic Whole Fryer Chicken — $1.76 per pound
- Costco: Kirkland Signature Organic Whole Young Chicken — $1.99 per pound
Best bet: Walmart if price is your main consideration.
6. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Costco's Kirkland Signature olive oil has a strong reputation among shoppers, but Great Value's extra-virgin olive oil comes in slightly cheaper based on the listed price per ounce.
This is one category where shoppers may want to weigh price against their preferred brand, taste, and quality standards rather than automatically choosing the cheapest bottle.
The price check:
- Walmart: Great Value Extra Virgin Olive Oil — $10.98 for 51 ounces
- Costco: Kirkland Signature Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil — $15.99 for 2 liters
Best bet: Walmart for price per ounce.
7. Deli Turkey
If you only need enough turkey for sandwiches during the week, there's little reason to buy more than you can use. Walmart's Great Value oven-roasted turkey comes out considerably cheaper per pound than the Kirkland option listed here.
That makes Walmart particularly appealing for shoppers who want a smaller grocery bill rather than a bulk-sized package.
The price check:
- Walmart: Great Value Oven-Roasted Sliced Turkey Breast — $3.44 per 16 ounces
- Costco: Kirkland Signature Oven Roasted Sliced Turkey Breast — $6.89 per pound
Best bet: Walmart.
8. Paper Towels
Paper towels are a classic warehouse-club purchase, but Costco doesn't always win on value. The listed Great Value package costs less per 100 square feet than the comparable Kirkland package.
Walmart's version also received a higher overall score than Kirkland in the Consumer Reports comparison cited for these products.
The price check:
- Walmart: Great Value Split Sheets — $14.97 for 12 rolls
- Costco: Kirkland Signature Create-a-Size — $23.99 for 12 rolls
Best bet: Walmart, based on the listed cost per 100 square feet.
9. Baby Carrots
Baby carrots are inexpensive enough that buying a huge package may not always be worthwhile. If your household doesn't go through produce quickly, a smaller Walmart package can make more financial sense than paying more upfront for a bulk container.
It's also a good reminder that grocery savings aren't only about the lowest unit price. Buying an amount you'll actually finish can help prevent food waste.
Best for smaller households: Walmart's standard-size bags of baby carrots.
10. Eggs
Eggs are another grocery staple where package size can influence how much you actually spend. Costco frequently sells eggs in larger quantities, while Walmart makes it easy to pick up a standard dozen.
For a family that uses eggs constantly, Costco's bulk packaging may still be appealing. But if you're shopping for one or two people, buying a dozen at Walmart can mean a lower checkout total and less risk of eggs sitting unused.
Best for smaller purchases: Walmart's standard dozen-carton option.
11. White Sandwich Bread
You don't need to buy multiple loaves to get an inexpensive sandwich bread. Great Value's standard white bread is typically priced around $1.28 a loaf, giving Walmart a major advantage for shoppers who simply need one basic loaf.
Costco can make sense when you're feeding a crowd or freezing extra bread, but for a quick grocery trip, Walmart's inexpensive single-loaf option is difficult to beat.
Best for everyday value: Walmart's Great Value White Sandwich Bread.
Don't Assume Bulk Means Cheaper
Costco can absolutely offer great deals, but the warehouse model isn't a guarantee that every item has the lowest price. The smartest comparison is often the unit price—and sometimes the best value is simply buying less.
Before putting a bulk package in your cart, check how much you're paying per ounce or pound and consider whether you'll actually use everything before it expires. For staples like yogurt, deli meat, produce and bread, Walmart may be the better stop.
