Where to Buy Groceries for Less. 2025 Supermarket Rankings

The cost of groceries has always been a hot topic – but in 2025, many Americans are starting to realize things might never go back to the way they were. Saving money is back in the spotlight, and we hope this little research helps your family stretch the budget just a little further.

cheapest supermarket

For now, the "lineup" of major players in the grocery game hasn’t changed much. But as we’ve learned over the years, all it takes is one shift – whether political or economic – for the rules to change completely. We’ve been tracking trends in this space for a long time, and we’ll be the first to notice when that happens.

The Most Affordable Grocery Stores in 2025

We’ve put together a simple ranking of stores where you can stock up on everything from milk to paper towels – plus a few tips on how to save even more. We compared the prices of a standard weekly grocery haul across different chains and calculated the totals.

Aldi

No surprise here – Aldi remains the undisputed champion of affordable grocery shopping. This European chain continues to focus on quantity over flashy marketing. A basic weekly haul for a family of three (eggs, milk, affordable chicken, etc.) came to about $70 in 2025. That’s still the best price out there, even though the same basket used to cost $56–$60 just a couple of years ago.

Lidl

Another European contender! It might be surprising, but Lidl’s pricing came in just $3–$4 higher than Aldi’s for the same list of essentials. In general, European and Japanese shoppers tend to be more mindful about purchases and waste – something we could all learn from.

Other Grocery Chains

Here’s results by other major supermarkets compared:

  • Albertsons – $76
  • Kroger – $78
  • Publix – $80

The Not-So-Great Performers

Believe it or not, Walmart, Dollar General, and Costco ranked the lowest in terms of overall affordability for small families. Yes, they’re great for bulk deals – like stocking up on toilet paper or drinks for a party – but those savings don’t always pan out for the average weekly shop. And when you factor in paid memberships (like at Costco), the value just doesn’t add up for smaller households.

where to buy cheap grocery

One exception: Dollar General often shares digital coupons, which can be worth it. Look for deals in Facebook groups or couponing communities.

CVS & Walgreens: A Surprising Find

Here’s something unexpected: when it comes to personal care items, baby products, and diapers, CVS and Walgreens often have better prices than grocery stores – especially if you’re enrolled in a paid loyalty program.

With a subscription costing $10/month and average savings reaching up to $15/month, you’re still ahead – even in a slow month. This is based on a typical three-person household.

Conclusion

There are no major shakeups in the grocery space yet, but with big political shifts underway in 2025, we wouldn’t be surprised if changes are coming. We’ll keep watching the trends so you don’t have to.

In the meantime, keep checking those store flyers, use your loyalty cards, and make smart choices.

Shop smart and save big – happy shopping!