The Best Budget-Friendly Stores For Stocking Up On Household Essentials

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 Consumer Expenditures report, the average U.S. household spends about $6,440 a month. However, for a family of four, these costs can be much greater –  ranging from $8,450 to $9,817. With this in mind, unless you are in the top 1% of earners (or have the net worth to fly First Class regularly), you probably need to be careful about where you shop in order to avoid spending too much on everyday essentials.

According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) — the measure that tracks price changes for everyday essentials — prices rose 0.2% in February 2025 and 2.8% over the year prior. In other words, things are getting more expensive and, unless you're shopping smart, you could be feeling it in significant ways. As prices continue to go up, seeking out promotions at your favorite store, or even using coupon browser extensions can be easy ways to save more money. However, perhaps the best approach is to consider where, exactly, you are shopping in the first place and to make sure it is a budget-friendly choice.

Chances are good you've heard of Aldi before, but as the brand continues to make moves to be the go-to spot for affordable home essentials it could be time to visit a store. Through 2028, Aldi is putting $9 billion into opening 800 new stores across the U.S. Part of the reason for the company's growth and popularity is tied to its low prices — so low, in fact, that a 2025 ALDI Price Leadership report found that the company saves its customers about $8.3 billion a year compared to other stores.

For starters, Aldi offers a special weekly ALDI Finds promotion, which offers household essentials at budget-friendly prices — across categories like gardening tools, kitchen gadgets, and even seasonal décor. However, the Finds section changes often, so if you see a good deal, like a Boulder Tall Drawstring Kitchen Bags with 45 bags inside for $6.95 or Beaumont 200 Count Basket Coffee Filters for $1.95, you'll need to act fast.

Aldi keeps its store prices low by working directly with manufacturers and prioritizing private label products. This means it can offer higher quality products without the inflated price. Aldi stores also typically have simple designs with minimal staff, which helps to cut down on costs. These savings are then passed on to customers making it no surprise that Aldi is one of the cheapest grocery stores for retirees.

Amazon's numerous Prime sales throughout the year can be a hub for things you need around the house. In fact, household items made up 22% of the total purchases during Prime Big Deal Days 2024  — with home goods close behind at 21%. Another thing that shoppers should know is that Amazon's Outlet section often slashes prices on home essentials prices by up to 60%. You can find everything from vacuums to outdoor furniture and kitchen gadgets — yet, taking advantage of any daily deals or sales requires checking back often. 

Amazon also runs special promotions where, if you spend $50 on qualifying products, you can get a $10 gift card. That's a tidy 20% saving, and you're stocked up for months. And if you really want to save more, check out Amazon's Subscribe & Save program. This can add up to an extra 15% off on your scheduled deliveries. and the savings compound over time.

Around 75% of people in the U.S. lives within 10 miles of a Target store — but there's more to Target than just convenience. Its clever mix of private-label brands and big-name partnerships offers shoppers a budget-friendly experience. This strategy not only offer great prices; it also pulls people into their stores and onto their websites, giving shoppers top value while keeping the stores bustling.

Target's Household Essentials Deals section offers affordable basics that blend everyday low prices with timely promotions — ensuring your dollar gets you more. From six pack Room Essentials hand towel sets for $3.00 to a 6 Piece Bed Sheet Set for less than $30, finding affordable home essentials can be a breeze. Plus, Target's "Top Deals" can sweeten the pot even further, offering discounts on everything from kitchen favorites like Gibson Home Chestnut 2 Piece Frying Pan set for $44.99 to a 12-Piece Ceramic Dinnerware Set for $39.99.

Layered on top of these savings is Target Circle, the store's free loyalty program. Members can score special deals, from 15% off storage items to gift cards for certain purchases. Add Target's RedCard into the mix, and you can save another 5% on almost every purchase. Plus, Target offers a same-day delivery option, starting at $9.99, that can give busy households quick and affordable access to everyday necessities without visiting the store.

IKEA is famous for making stylish, practical, and affordable furniture; something it calls "democratic design." This idea, according to IKEA's website, mixes function, form, quality, sustainability, and low prices to make sure its products not only look good but are also practical, long-lasting, good for the planet, and won't break the bank. Since starting back in 1943, IKEA has grown a lot. As of 2025, there are 481 IKEA stores around the world, packed with all sorts of items for every spot in your home.

IKEA's thoughtful lineup of home goods for under $10 can make stylish living easy on your wallet. Whether you're tidying up the bathroom or freshening the kitchen, the store has practical and attractive options ready to go. Take the FÖRNUFT 20-piece stainless steel cutlery set for only $9.99, or the ISTAD
Resealable bag 60-pack for $2.49.

IKEA designs its products in-house, allowing it to sidestep extra costs that stores like Target and Amazon often face. IKEA also cuts costs by using its famous self-service warehouse and DIY product assembly approach — allowing it to pass these savings on to you. This approach not only keeps prices down but also aligns with a lifestyle that values both economy and personal agency in creating a comfortable home.

Costco is all about big savings from its giant warehouses, which you can access with a membership. It's a simple trade: pay a small fee for a membership and get access to lower prices on everything from toilet paper to televisions. Plus, Costco's massive network of 891 warehouses worldwide, makes it possible to save almost anywhere.

Costco shines brightest on its household staples. For example, its Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue gets you 30 rolls for $24.99, which breaks down to just 53 cents per roll. Likewise, Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent sells for $29.99 for 170 ounces, or 152 loads of laundry. However, it's worth noting that Costco prices are usually cheaper in-warehouse — compared to online — meaning you'll spend even less in person. Costco's membership tiers can also sweeten the deal. For instance, the Executive Membership – which costs $130 per year — lets you earn 2% in rewards on all purchases, giving you $24 back for every $1,200 spent.

Plus, Costco's Kirkland Signature brand avoids the extra costs associated with name brands. A Kirkland Signature 115-pack of its dishwasher pods costs just $13.99. Just remember that Costco's bulk size products mean you'll need significant storage space which can be a stretch for smaller homes. With that said, you should also make sure to avoid buying Costco's Kirkland brand on Amazon.

In 2024, Walmart pulled in $648 billion in revenue, keeping its spot as the biggest private company in the world by revenue. Plus, according to Walmart's website, there are currently 10,750 stores in 19 countries, meaning you likely have one close by. If you're looking to cut costs on home essentials, the company's Walmart+ membership might be worth a look. For a $98 annual fee, members can get free delivery on purchases over $35 from local stores, allowing you to skip the usual $7.95 to $9.95 delivery fees. This can add up to big savings, making it easier to manage your home budget.

Plus, you don't have to be a member to take advantage of Walmart's Rollback deals, where you can save up to 50%. Walmart also regularly teams up with big names like Jessica Simpson and The Pioneer Woman to give customers trendy yet affordable clothing and kitchen items. For instance, you can grab a 10-piece set of Pioneer Woman mixing bowls for just $24.96 or chic stackable coffee mugs for $17.98. There is also more to find in Walmart's Home Deals section, from blackout curtains starting at $9.97 to complete luggage sets for under $100. Walmart also adjusts its prices locally to ensure offered prices fix the market.

Kroger can make it easy to save money on everyday items. It has a "Ship to Home" service that is a great option for stocking up. New customers can get 15% off their first order, and for those spending more than $35, shipping is free. Plus, when the holidays roll around, the deals get better with shoppers saving more than $1,200 on a mix of everyday and seasonal essentials ahead of the 2024 holiday season. With all these savings, it could be worth adding Kroger to your list if you want to keep household expenses under control. 

Customers should pay special attention to Kroger's weekly discounts on home essentials. Plus, Kroger regularly offers "Buy 5 or More, Save $1 Each" promotions, which can encourage stocking up on home essentials in a smart way. Using the Kroger app can also give you access to special digital coupons that you can stack on top of other discounts to save even more. You can clip these coupons digitally and apply them at pickup or delivery.