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With prices on everyday essentials climbing steadily, stretching your budget at the drugstore is becoming more important than ever. To help shoppers find the best bang for their buck, I conducted a price comparison between two leading pharmacy chains: Walgreens and CVS.
I took the same shopping list to both stores, covering categories from pain relievers and skincare to groceries and first aid supplies. After tallying the totals, one retailer clearly offered better overall savings. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings.
Pain Relievers
Both Walgreens and CVS provide affordable generic ibuprofen options. Walgreens’ 24-count bottle of 200 mg ibuprofen caplets is priced at $4.49, slightly cheaper than CVS’s $4.69 for the equivalent generic.
Sunscreen
A 5.5-ounce bottle of Walgreens’ store-brand Sports Sunscreen SPF 50 costs $8.99, undercutting CVS’s similar product at $9.49.
Skincare
For sensitive skin, Walgreens offers a 16-ounce container of fragrance-free Advanced Moisturizing Cream for $14.99. CVS’s comparable private-label cream is priced at $15.99.
Toothpaste
Walgreens’ Restore and Defend Sensitive Fluoride Toothpaste sells for $5.99, a modest savings compared to CVS’s $6.59 version.
Bottled Water
In the limited grocery sections, Walgreens offers a 24-pack of 16.9-ounce purified water bottles for $4.19, while CVS’s 24-pack is priced significantly higher at $5.99.
Cookies
Walgreens sells an eight-ounce package of Soft-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies for $1.99. CVS’s 10-ounce Gold Emblem cookies cost $5.79, nearly three times more.
Nutritional Supplements
A 500-count bottle of Walgreens’ generic 600 mg calcium with vitamin D3 goes for $22.99. CVS’s 400-count is $21.49, but Walgreens wins on cost per pill.
Cereal
For brand-name Cheerios, Walgreens charges $7.99 for an 18-ounce box, which beats CVS’s $9.59 price.
Haircare
Walgreens’ 2-in-1 dandruff shampoo and conditioner costs $7.49 for 23.7 ounces ($0.32/oz), while CVS charges $5.79 for 12.5 ounces ($0.46/oz), making Walgreens more economical by volume.
Paper Towels
A two-roll pack of Walgreens’ store-brand paper towels is $3.99 versus CVS’s $5.49 for the same quantity.
First Aid Items
CVS offers a better price on generic gauze strips at $4.79 for 25-count compared to Walgreens’ $5.99.
Cough Drops
Walgreens’ 200-count cherry-flavored cough drops cost $7.99, narrowly beating CVS’s 160-count priced at $7.29.
Allergy Medications
A 30-count bottle of Walgreens’ generic loratadine (Claritin equivalent) is $17.99, while CVS charges $19.49.
Nitrile Gloves
CVS sells a 100-piece box for $21.49, undercutting Walgreens’ $24.99 price.
Overall Verdict
Walgreens emerged as the more budget-friendly option for most items, though CVS held the edge on a few products like gauze and nitrile gloves. To maximize savings, it’s also wise to compare both in-store and online prices, as web-exclusive deals can offer additional discounts and convenience.
Practical Money Tips for Everyone
No matter your financial situation, there’s always room to enhance your money management:
- Boost Your Income: Consider side hustles that fit your schedule or explore other legitimate ways to increase your cash flow.
- Grow Your Wealth: Leverage the power of compound interest by creating a solid financial plan.
Consulting a professional advisor can help you set goals, including early retirement.
- Seize Opportunities: Take full advantage of discounts, senior benefits, and insurance comparisons to save more.
At the same time, avoid common financial pitfalls that quietly chip away at your savings.
By shopping smart and managing money wisely, you can keep more cash in your wallet even as prices rise.