Grocery Price Showdown: Piggly Wiggly vs Publix
The last stop in our price comparison this week in Charleston, SC is Piggly Wiggly and Publix. Piggly Wiggly is a smaller chain of about 500 stores in 18 states. Publix has about 1,370 stores in 8 states.
We will be using a real grocery list for our comparison so it will be more accurate for a family trying to save money.
Key Takeaways
- Piggly Wiggly came out cheaper by 10% (but was still 39% higher than Walmart.)
- Publix has a few sale items but the majority of the prices were higher.
- Piggly Wiggly prices were very hit or miss.
Meal Plan and Grocery List
This week’s meal plan is for 6 dinners for $60.
This is the grocery list we will be using for the comparison.
Our total at the Walmart in Charleston came out to $59.98, so let’s see if Publix or Piggly Wiggly can come close to that!
Is Publix Cheaper than Piggly Wiggly?
My prediction is that Publix will be more expensive, but not by much! Piggly Wiggly is a smaller chain so their prices don’t tend to be the cheapest.
| Ingredient | Piggly Wiggly Price | Publix Price |
| Eggroll or Wonton Wrappers | $3.79 | $3.33 *on sale* |
| Yellow Squash (x2) | $3.00 | $3.18 |
| Bell Pepper (x1) | $0.91 | $1.45 |
| Broccoli (x1) | $3.07 *on sale* | $2.15 |
| Cucumber (x1) | $0.79 *on sale* | $1.11 |
| Lettuce | $2.69 | $2.75 |
| Sweet Potatoes (3lbs) | $3.57 | $4.32 |
| Tomatoes (x3) | $3.09 | $4.74 |
| Garlic | $2.29 (3ct) | $0.69 |
| Meatballs (2lbs) | $7.49 *on sale* (26oz) | $11.59 |
| Shrimp (12oz) | $11.49 (16oz) | $10.99 *on sale* (16oz) |
| Chicken Breasts (5lbs) | $11.45 | $20.80 |
| Tomato Sauce (15oz) | $1.49 | $1.07 |
| Carrots (14.5oz can) | $1.39 | $1.11 *on sale* |
| Mexican Rice Pack | $2.59 | $2.05 |
| Black Beans (15oz can) | $1.19 *on sale* | $1.27 |
| Corn (15oz can) | $1.39 | $1.11 *on sale* |
| Lemon Pepper Seasoning | $2.09 | $2.83 |
| Cream of Chicken (10.5oz can) | $1.79 | $1.39 |
| Stuffing Mix | $3.09 | $3.47 |
| Beef Broth (14.5oz can) | $1.79 | $1.83 |
| Egg Noodles (1lb) | $3.69 (12oz) | $3.05 |
| Pesto Sauce Pack | $4.89 (8oz jar) | $3.59 (3.5oz jar) |
| Frozen Green Beans (12oz) | $3.29 | $2.87 |
| Mozzarella cheese (8oz) | $2.69 *on sale* | $3.59 |
| Butter (8oz) | $4.39 | $3.81 |
| Cheddar cheese (8oz) | $2.69 *on sale* | $3.59 |
| Milk (half gallon) | $4.59 | $3.47 |
| Sour Cream (8oz) | $2.29 | $1.71 |
| Total: | $98.96 | $108.91 |
Well, I was right again, Piggly Wiggly came out cheaper than Publix by $9.95 (about 10%). Piggly Wiggly came out to $98.96 and Publix came out at $108.91.
Neither store was even close to our $60 grocery budget goal!
Food for Thought
So, let’s see if only shopping for the cheapest items at each store could potentially save us some more money.
Our total would have been $88.92. That is an additional savings of $10.04 (about 10%). That’s not bad, but I feel like the prices at both of these stores are just too high.
They may have great deals and occasional sales, but they may not be the best to do all your shopping at every week.
