Dollar Tree Trounces Target on 6 Everyday Deals (But Falls Behind on 4 Big Ones)
Some things are cheaper to buy at Dollar Tree, but this is not true of all things. You can often get a better deal at a big-box retailer, like Target, thanks to their ongoing sales and roster of affordable private labels.
That being said, MoneyLion took a closer look at the essentials that cost less to buy at Dollar Tree versus Target, as well as where the bargains are simply better at Target. Our digging revealed six categories where Dollar Tree is a better value than Target and four surprising departments where it makes more sense to shop at Target instead.
Explore More: 4 Dollar Tree Finds Under $10 To Upgrade Your Fall Hosting
Join Us: Start Growing Your Net Worth With Smarter Tracking
Plus, can you guess where Dollar Tree and Target are most evenly matched on prices?
Check It Out: The Best Dollar Tree Deals To Grab Now For Fall
Dollar Tree: Movie Theater Candy
Dollar Tree has long remained undefeated when it comes to cheap boxed movie theater candy.
Boxes of Reese’s Pieces, M&M’S and Mike and Ikes (to name a few) are $1.25 apiece. At Target, the same boxed candy brands cost anywhere from $1.49 to $1.69 a box. Both are leagues cheaper than the concessions stand, but unless Target drops these prices to $1, they’ll be outpaced by Dollar Tree every time.
Dollar Tree: Scented Candles
Over the last year, Dollar Tree has stepped up its scented candle game considerably.
Shoppers can purchase stylishly packaged scented candles in frosted jars with wooden lids for the low price of $1.25 each. Similar jar candles from Threshold cost as much as $6 for a 5.5-ounce candle at Target.
Dollar Tree: Oral Hygiene
You can’t beat Dollar Tree when it comes to inexpensive oral hygiene products.
Their offerings — including toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash and floss picks — cost less than what you’d pay at Target. Best of all, you can shop for major brands like Colgate and Crest for less.
Dollar Tree: Makeup Basics
Most of Dollar Tree’s beauty inventory goes easy on budgets with its $1.25 pricing ($1.50 at most) on select items like lip balm and lip gloss. Unless it’s on major clearance, it’s rare to find Target’s beauty brands priced this low.
Dollar Tree: Bakeware
Bakeware staples like cake, bread and muffin pans are all infinitely cheaper to shop at Dollar Tree than Target. Similar pans from Figmint usually start around $6 at Target, but can cost as much as $8 or more apiece.
Dollar Tree: All-Purpose Cleaner
Dealworthy and up&up come close to offering better deals on all-purpose cleaning supplies, but they’re not quite there.
Longtime shoppers know it costs a lot less to buy all-purpose cleaner and refills at Dollar Tree. A 32-ounce bottle of LA’s Totally Awesome concentrated cleaner refill is $1.50.
Both: School Supplies
Timing is everything when shopping for school supplies, and each storefront has a win/lose moment on these accordingly.
Not surprisingly, Target beats Dollar Tree in the months leading up to back-to-school season. Virtually all school supplies, including name brands, up&up and Mondo Llama, are on sale with most items priced under $1.
While Dollar Tree doesn’t run back-to-school sales, most supply staples like crayons, pencils, pens and paper stay comfortably priced at $1.25 year-round. Once the sales end at Target and prices tick up to their original retail price, it makes more sense to shop at Dollar Tree if you need to restock these items.
Target: Select Party Supplies
Target is (slowly) starting to outpace Dollar Tree on select party supplies.
Their private label Spritz offers party bags in a wide variety of sizes for just $1 compared to Dollar Tree’s $1.25 to $1.50. Eagle-eyed shoppers may also have purchased Spritz plastic table covers since they are cheaper than those available at Dollar Tree.
Target: Cooking Utensils
Thanks to Room Essentials, popular cooking utensils like spatulas and spoons can be purchased for just $1 at Target.
You wouldn’t pay much more for the same products at Dollar Tree, but when push comes to shove, $1 still bests $1.25 any day of the week.
Target: Dinnerware
Room Essentials comes through once again with incredibly inexpensive dinnerware. Simple items like cereal bowls, dinner plates and tumbler glasses are a mere 50 cents at Target.
Target: Beach Toys
What’s going on with Dollar Tree’s beach toy prices in 2026? It has been surprising to see so many outdoor fun staples like pool noodles, beach balls and pail and shovel sets for $1.75 or more at the discount retailer.
These items are infinitely cheaper at Target thanks to the Sun Squad’s low prices stacked with additional sales and discounts.
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.
More From MoneyLion: