Want cheaper groceries? These Chicago stores beat Walmart prices

With the cost of groceries continuing to rise from month to month, where you choose to shop can make a world of difference.

A recent analysis from Consumer Reports and the Strategic Resource Group ranked average prices at 30 nationwide retailers based on the cost of commonly purchased items.

The research found that six retailers have cheaper national average prices than Walmart, which was used as the baseline retailer.

How were average grocery prices calculated?

According to Consumer Reports, researchers compared the total price of grocery baskets that included items like packaged goods, produce and meat, but differed based on which items were available at each store. The data was compiled in six major cities across the United States, including Chicago.

The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that grocery prices – which are measured under the consumer price index's "food at home" category – increased 0.4% in February. The cost of fruits and vegetables, specifically, increased by 1.4% over the month.

Which grocery stores are cheaper than Walmart?

According to Consumer Reports' analysis, six retailers have cheaper national average prices than Walmart, which was used as the baseline. They are:

1. Costco Wholesale: -21.4% difference compared with Walmart.
2. BJ's Wholesale Club: -21.0% difference.
3. Lidl: -8.5% difference.
4. Aldi: -8.3% difference.
5. WinCo: -3.3% difference.
6. H-E-B: -0.2% difference.

What about in Chicago?

The analysis found that only two retailers have cheaper average prices than Walmart in Chicago. They are:

1. Costco Wholesale: -28.5% difference.
2. Aldi: -7.7% difference.

Which grocery stores are the most expensive?

Conversely, the following retailers have the five highest national average prices compared with Walmart:

1. Whole Foods: +39.7% difference.
2. Shaw's: +31.9% difference.
3. El Rancho: +30.1% difference.
4. Jewel-Osco: +29.7% difference.
5. Mariano's: +27.6% difference.

Whole Foods, which had the highest prices compared with Walmart, told the publication that the analysis did not account for factors like ingredient standards and sourcing.

Which Chicago grocery stores are the most expensive?

In Chicago, the following seven retailers were found to have the highest average prices compared to Walmart:

1. Jewel-Osco: +29.7% difference.
2. Whole Foods: +28.4% difference.
3. Mariano's: +27.6% difference.
4. Trader Joe's: +26.8% difference.
5. Meijer: +9.9% difference.
6. Food 4 Less: +7.7% difference.
7. Target: +3.4% difference.