The NYC grocery field guide
Same list.
Better grocery run.
A cheap carton of eggs does not tell you what the rest of your list will cost. Compare the same groceries before picking a store.
Compare grocery pricesFree comparison. Starts with grocery staples.
Add your own items to compare your list.
A list you can
actually compare.
- Eggs
- 12 large
- Whole milk
- Half gallon
- Rice
- 2 lb bag
- Tomatoes
- 1 lb
Write the amount beside the item.Example list. Keep the quantities the same when you compare stores.
Five checks before you change stores.
Put the size on the list.
Use your last receipt as a starting point. Cross off what is still in the kitchen. For everything left, write the amount you need and anything you will not swap: whole milk, a particular brand, a dietary requirement. Keep that list the same when you change stores.
If any brand of rice works, write that down. If you need lactose-free milk, keep that fixed. Compare what you would actually bring home.
Compare the same amount.
Check the package before the price. A bag, a bottle and a family pack are not units. Match the product, then compare the same amount. New York State's Money Savings Guide recommends planning a list, checking circulars and comparing unit prices.
| On your list | Compare by | Keep consistent |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Per egg or dozen | Same size and grade; match any required labels |
| Milk | Per fluid ounce | Same kind; chilled with chilled |
| Rice | Per ounce or pound | Same variety; dry with dry |
| Chicken | Per pound | Same cut, bone-in or boneless, and fresh or frozen |
A price per pound is not the price of the pack. A multi-buy also needs room in your budget, fridge and plans.
Read the small print first.
Check the date, store and purchase requirements before adding an advertised offer to your total.
- The storeDoes the offer apply at the location you plan to visit?
- The dateWill it still be valid on your shopping day?
- The productDoes the size and variety on your list qualify?
- The termsLoyalty card, clipped coupon, must-buy quantity, minimum spend or purchase limit? Include every requirement.
A missing price stays missing.
If a store has prices for eggs and milk but none for your rice, you have an eggs-and-milk subtotal. Leave the rice price unknown until you can check it.
Fewer priced items
can look like a cheaper basket.
Make the extra stop earn it.
Start with your usual store and one alternative you would actually visit. Compare the items with usable, matching prices. Then weigh the difference against the extra fare, time and bags you would have to carry. Check opening hours before you leave.
Already passing the store? Count only the detour. Making a separate trip? Include the return fare, time and bags.
Check the prices.
Then pick the trip.
The comparison starts with grocery staples. Open the shopping-list button at the top and add your items to compare your own list. Keep package sizes and offer conditions in view.
The Friday Brief
Every Friday, one email: the cheapest prices we found across NYC that week. Free. This is the part where we ask for your email.
Your usuals.
Worth keeping an eye on.
Exclusive Deal Alerts watches up to 15 grocery items for matching offers in your NYC area. At most one alert email a day. It is an optional paid service.
See current pricing and terms ↗Before you head out.
Will this tell me the cheapest store in NYC?
Browse advertised prices by borough, then tap a price to see the stores behind it. Missing prices, different sizes and offer conditions can prevent a complete basket comparison. There is no citywide winner here.
Does a missing offer mean the item is out of stock?
No. It means there is no usable advertised price in the comparison. Check shelf price and availability with the store.
Do I need to pay to compare?
The comparison is free. Exclusive Deal Alerts is a separate, optional paid email service.
The source note
The New York State Department of State's Money Savings Guide, Groceries, page 7, supports list planning, checking circulars and comparing unit prices. This guide explains a shopping method. For dated prices, sizes and terms, open the live comparison.