Grocery shoppers are more focused than ever on stretching their food budget, even when it comes to choosing between two stores known for offering great deals. For this curated grocery list, GOBankingRates spent $50 at two grocery stores: Walmart and Trader Joe’s.
Walmart, known for its massive inventory and everyday low prices, contrasts sharply with Trader Joe’s, a smaller neighborhood store famous for its private-label staples and specialty items. Both offer affordable options, but the real question is … which one offers the better deals on groceries for $50? Below is a breakdown that highlights the differences, so you can shop smarter and save more.
Bag of Romaine Hearts
- Walmart’s price: $3.42
- Trader Joe’s price: $2.99
- Cheaper price: Trader Joe’s
You may think that with all the options, a three-count bag of romaine hearts would be cheaper at Walmart. But Trader Joe’s Romaine Hearts beat the price slightly by $0.43 per bag. Fresh Romaine Lettuce Hearts at Walmart costs $3.42 per bag compared to Trader Joe’s $2.99.
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Hass Avocados
- Walmart’s price: $3.99
- Trader Joe’s price: $2.97
- Cheaper price: Walmart
Due to Trump’s tariffs, avocados have gone up in price. When buying Hass avocados by the bag, you’ll pay $3.99 at TJ’s but just $2.97 at Walmart, saving shoppers nearly $1.02 per bag. To make sure the number of avocados was even, two bags were purchased at each store.
Bananas
- Walmart’s price: $0.20 ($1 for 5)
- Trader Joe’s price: $0.23 ($1.15 for 5)
- Cheaper price: Walmart
When comparing fresh non-organic bananas, Trader Joe’s offered a slightly higher price at $0.23 each compared to $0.20 for a banana at Walmart. That makes the total for five bananas $1.15 at Trader Joe’s and $1 at Walmart, a savings of $0.15.
Cherry Tomatoes
- Walmart’s price: $3.88
- Trader Joe’s price: $4.99
- Cheaper price: Walmart
While Walmart’s package of tomatoes costs over a dollar less per package, Trader Joe’s gives you 12 ounces of tomatoes, which is four ounces more than at Walmart. Something to keep in mind in general while you shop.
Dozen Eggs
- Walmart’s price: $1.97
- Trader Joe’s price: $5.99
- Cheaper price: Walmart
For a dozen eggs, you’ll pay $5.99 for Pasture Raised Large Brown Eggs at Trader Joe’s and $1.97 at for Great Value Large White Eggs at Walmart for one 12-count carton. That’s a pretty big difference in cost for all your tasty omelettes and recipes.
Loaf of White Bread
- Walmart’s price: $1.42
- Trader Joe’s price: $1.99
- Cheaper price: Walmart
There was a substantial price variation when comparing the cheapest loaf of bread we could find at both stores. Great Value White Bread at Walmart costs $1.42 a loaf compared to $1.99 for White Sliced Bread at Trader Joe’s.
Organic Chicken Breasts
- Walmart’s price: $5.17 per pound
- Trader Joe’s price: $7.49 per pound
- Cheaper price: Walmart
Both Walmart and Trader Joe’s offer organic, skinless chicken breasts. The difference between the stores is that you’ll pay over $2 more per pound at TJ’s, with a price of $7.49 per pound for Organic Free Range Boneless Chicken Breasts versus $5.17 per pound for Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Cage Free Boneless Chicken Breasts at Walmart.
Fresh Atlantic Salmon
- Walmart’s price: $10.94 per pound
- Trader Joe’s price: $9.99 per pound
- Cheaper price: Trader Joe’s
Nothing beats fresh, juicy salmon on the grill in summer or baked in the winter. The cost for unfrozen Skinless Atlantic Salmon at Walmart is $10.94 per pound and $9.99 per pound for Fresh Atlantic Boneless Salmon Fillet at Trader Joe’s, making almost a dollar more at Walmart.
Frozen Mandarin Chicken
- Walmart’s price: $7.98 for 24 ounces ($0.33 per ounce)
- Trader Joe’s price: $5.49 for 22 ounces ($0.25 per ounce)
- Cheaper price: Trader Joe’s
A 24-ounce bag of Foster Farms Orange Chicken at Walmart costs $7.98 and is slightly more per ounce compared to Trader Joe’s 22-ounce bag of frozen Mandarin Orange Chicken for $5.49 per bag.
Bottom Line: You’ll Pay $2.26 More at Trader Joe’s
If you got this exact grocery list, you would have spent $46.02 at Trader Joe’s and $43.76 at Walmart before tax. The price difference was $2.26 more at Trader Joe’s. Keep in mind, the price difference can depend on the items you buy, if they are priced by weight or if you use coupons or purchase items in bulk, which may not be possible at every store.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location. Prices are accurate as of Feb. 25, 2026.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What $50 of Trader Joe’s Groceries Costs at Walmart
