We Compared 8 Grocery Staples at Costco and Trader Joe's -- Here's the Winner
Costco and Trader Joe's both have loyal followings and devoted fan bases that are borderline obsessive, and for good reason. One's known for bulk deals and a massive selection, and the other wins on curated, unique products and affordable items you can't find elsewhere. But when it comes to your weekly shopping list, which store actually saves you more?
To find out, we put together a hypothetical shopping list of eight common grocery items and compared the cost per unit at each. Whether you're trying to lower your grocery bill, shop smarter, or maximize savings on everyday staples, this comparison highlights which retailer comes out on top for budget-conscious shoppers.
Up Next: 8 Dollar Tree Kitchen Finds That Make Cooking on a Budget Easier
Trending Now: 9 Subtly Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money — That You Should Do, Too
Note that these prices are based on averages, so you may not see the exact same prices at your local store. Here's how eight everyday items compare on this hypothetical grocery list.
See More: The Best Costco Buys for the Money Right Now
1. Eggs
Costco price: $8.73 for 24 eggs ($0.17 per egg)
Trader Joe's price: $6.99 for 12 eggs ($0.58 per egg)
For this, Kirkland Signature Free-Range Organic Eggs were compared to Trader Joe's Organic Pasture Raised Large Brown Eggs.
2. Oat Milk
Costco price: $11.34 for 96 ounces ($0.12 per ounce)
Trader Joe's price: $4.29 for 64 ounces ($0.07 per ounce)
For this, Costco's Mooala Simple Organic Oat Milk, which comes in a 2-count pack of 48-ounce bottles, was compared to Trader Joe's Non-Dairy Oat Beverage, which comes in a 64-ounce carton.
3. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Costco price: $3.39 per pound
Trader Joe's price: $7.49 per pound
For this, Costco's Kirkland Signature Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts were compared to Trader Joe's Organic Free Range Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. Keep in mind that Costco sells these in bulk, so it will be a more expensive option upfront, even if cheaper per unit.
4. Bananas
Costco price: $1.69 per 3-pound bunch
Trader Joe's price: $0.23 per banana
For this, Costco bananas by the bunch were compared to Trader Joe's individually sold bananas.
5. Organic Baby Spinach
Costco price: $5.10 for a 1-pound bag ($0.32 per unit)
Trader Joe's price: $1.99 for a 6-ounce bag ($0.33 per unit)
For this, Costco's 1-pound bag of organic baby spinach was compared to Trader Joe's 6-ounce bag of organic baby spinach.
6. Cheddar Cheese
Costco price: $6.23 for a 2-pound block ($0.19 per unit)
Trader Joe's price: $3.99 for a 7-ounce block ($0.57 per unit)
For this, Costco's Pacific Cheese Sharp Cheddar Cheese was compared to Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Cheese.
7. Greek Yogurt
Costco price: $9.64 for 48 ounces ($0.20 per ounce)
Trader Joe's price: $5.49 for 32 ounces ($0.17 per ounce)
For this, Costco's Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt was compared to Trader Joe's Strained Thick & Creamy Greek Yogurt. Both options were plain flavored.
8. Organic Peanut Butter
Costco price: $11.34 for a 2-count pack of 28-ounce jars ($0.20 per ounce)
Trader Joe's price: $4.49 for a 16-ounce jar ($0.28 per ounce)
For this, Costco's Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter was compared to Trader Joe's Organic Creamy Peanut Butter Salted Valencia.
Final Take: Which One Should You Choose?
Costco wins: If you have the storage space and want the lowest per-unit cost on everyday basics.
Trader Joe's wins: If you prioritize unique specialty products and minimal waste.
Of course, you don't have to grocery shop at just one of these two. You can always comparison-shop to find the best options between them. Go with Costco if you have the space and the appetite for bulk. Per-unit savings on basics like eggs might seem small, but they add up over a year.
Trader Joe's might make more sense if you want smaller portions and certain niche items, and sometimes are on par or even below the price per unit of Costco items -- so stay vigilant. For those who don't have fridge or freezer space for bulk chicken or milk, their smaller packages mean you're less likely to throw away unused food. Plus, they have lots of unique snacks and products that you won't find anywhere else.
Jamela Adam contributed to the reporting for this article. 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: