Grocery prices continue to climb, so we compared everyday staples between Publix and Walmart to see where your money goes further.
The results reveal surprising differences that could change where you shop for weekly essentials.
2% Milk (Gallon) | Publix: $3.93 | Walmart: $3
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Description: This comparison features the standard store-brand gallon (Great Value vs. Publix Brand) of 2% reduced-fat milk.
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Recommendation: Walmart’s price is nearly half that of Publix. For families with high milk consumption, the savings on two gallons alone covers the cost of a “quick stop” at the neighboring store.
Large White Eggs (1 Dozen) | Publix: $2.31 | Walmart: $1.67
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Description: Standard Grade A large white eggs, often used for baking and daily breakfasts.
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Recommendation: Eggs remain one of the most visible price gaps. Unless Publix has a rare sale, you are paying a nearly $2.00 “convenience tax” per dozen.
Sliced White Bread (20 oz) | Publix: $2.31 | Walmart: $1.42
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Description: Basic sandwich bread from the commercial bread aisle (not the fresh bakery).
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Recommendation: This is a low-margin staple where Walmart’s scale wins. If you aren’t buying a fresh loaf from the Publix Bakery, there is no quality justification for paying double for a standard sandwich loaf.
Rao’s Homemade Marinara (24 oz) | Publix: $6.63| Walmart: $7.33
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Description: A premium, “cult-favorite” pasta sauce known for its clean ingredients and authentic flavor.
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Recommendation: Publix frequently keeps this at a high MSRP to support BOGO rotations. If it isn’t a BOGO week, Walmart’s “Everyday Low Price” is over $2.00 cheaper per jar.
Coca-Cola (12-pack Cans) | Publix: $12.79| Walmart: $8.57
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Description: Standard 12-ounce cans of name-brand soda.
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Recommendation: Soda prices at Publix have skyrocketed recently. Unless you are utilizing a “Buy 2 Get 2” promotion, Walmart is the clear winner for stocking the pantry.
Honey Nut Cheerios (Family Size) | Publix: $7.29 | Walmart: $4.98
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Description: Large, family-sized boxes of name-brand General Mills cereal.
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Recommendation: Similar to soda, cereal at Publix is designed for sale cycles. Buying at the “shelf price” at Publix is roughly 45% more expensive than Walmart’s standard price.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (Per lb) | Publix: $11.02 | Walmart: $11.57
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Description: Standard fresh poultry found in the meat department.
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Recommendation: While Publix meat quality is often praised, the price per pound for basic chicken breast is often double. Buying “Value Packs” at Walmart for meal-prepping can save $15-$20 on a single shopping trip.
Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter (8 oz) | Publix: $6.09 | Walmart: $4.84
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Description: High-quality, grass-fed imported butter favored by home cooks and bakers.
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Recommendation: This premium item carries a significant markup at Publix. For a product with identical packaging and shelf-life, the Walmart price is far more palatable.
Tide Liquid Detergent (92 oz) | Publix: $15.99 | Walmart: $12.97
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Description: Standard-sized bottle of original scent liquid laundry soap.
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Recommendation: Household chemicals and laundry supplies are notoriously expensive at Publix. Grabbing your heavy cleaning supplies at Walmart prevents your grocery bill from ballooning.
Jif Creamy Peanut Butter (16 oz) | Publix: $3.59 | Walmart: $2.96
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Description: The most popular name-brand smooth peanut butter.
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Recommendation: While a $1.13 difference seems small, it represents a nearly 40% markup. Over a year of lunches, these small margins on name-brand staples add up to substantial waste.
Lay’s Classic Potato Chips (8 oz) | Publix: $4.75 | Walmart: $2.50
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Description: Standard bag of Frito-Lay potato chips found in the snack aisle.
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Recommendation: Snack prices have seen heavy inflation at Publix. If you are hosting a party or packing school lunches, the $2.00 per bag savings at Walmart is significant.
Charmin Ultra Soft (6 Mega Rolls) | Publix: $12.59 | Walmart: $8.37
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Description: Premium name-brand toilet paper in the “Mega Roll” configuration.
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Recommendation: Paper goods are almost always priced higher at Publix to encourage shoppers to wait for coupons. At Walmart, you get the “sale price” every day without needing a loyalty card or a circular.
