Grocery Price Showdown: QFC vs Target
Our next grocery price comparison in Bellevue, Washington is going to be between QFC and Target. I have been pleasantly suprised with Target grocery prices in recent years, so we will see if they stay affordable.
QFC is now part of the Kroger company, and their prices seem to be steadily rising, so we will see if that holds true this week.
We like to use real grocery lists for comparisons, so this grocery list is for our most recent meal plan for under $100 for a family of four.
Key Takeaways
- QFC had a lot of items on sale, but the prices were still really high.
- Target had some nice prices but they didn’t have one item we needed.
- The difference between Target and QFC was about 17%.
Meal Plan and Grocery List
Here is the most recent grocery list for Week 18 Meal Plan.
This plan came out to under $100 at the local Walmart in Bellevue, so let’s see if either Target or QFC can get under $100 too!
Is Target Cheaper than Quality Foods Center?
I am guessing that Target will come out cheaper but I will be very happy if either store gets close to $100.
| Ingredient | QFC Price | Target Price |
| Apples (3lbs) | $2.97 *on sale* | $2.99 |
| Lettuce | $2.49 | $1.79 |
| Cucumber | $1.29 | $0.99 |
| Tomatoes (x2) | $3.36 | $3.19 |
| Lime (x1) | $0.99 | $0.39 |
| Garlic (1 head) | $0.99 | $1.79 (3ct) |
| Yellow Squash (x1) | $1.00 | did not have |
| Green Bell Pepper (x1) | $1.29 | $1.89 |
| Clementines (3lb) | $5.99 *on sale* | $3.79 |
| Potatoes (5lb) | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| Zucchini (x1) | $1.25 | $3.19 (2ct) |
| Cabbage (1 head) | $3.73 | $1.99 |
| Carrots (1lb) | $1.29 | $1.29 |
| Celery (1 bunch) | $2.99 | $3.19 |
| Chicken Breasts (5lbs) | $20.98 (6lbs) *on sale* | $13.95 |
| Breakfast Sausage (1lb) | $2.79 *on sale* | $2.99 |
| Pre-Cooked Bacon (2.5oz) | $4.00 *on sale* | $3.49 |
| Turkey Lunchmeat (1lb) | $6.99 *on sale* | $6.89 |
| Ground Beef (1lb) | $6.79 | $5.49 |
| Smoked Sausage (13oz) | $4.49 *on sale* | $4.29 |
| Pancake Mix (32oz) | $3.49 *on sale* | $2.69 |
| Ranch Dressing | $2.50 | $1.99 |
| White Rice (1lb) | $2.97 (2lb) *on sale* | $1.29 |
| Chicken (5 oz can) | $3.99 | $1.29 |
| Macaroni Noodles (1lb) | $1.49 *on sale* | $0.99 |
| Hamburger Buns (8ct) | $1.99 | $1.59 |
| Enchilada Sauce (28oz can) | $4.49 | $7.98 (2x19oz cans) |
| Pita Bread (4-5ct) | $3.49 *on sale* | $3.19 (naan bread) |
| BBQ Sauce | $2.19 *on sale* | $2.19 |
| Sandwich Bread | $1.99 | $1.39 |
| Penne Pasta (1lb) | $1.49 *on sale* | $0.99 |
| Mushrooms (6.5oz can) | $2.49 | $1.99 |
| Red Kidney Beans (15.5oz) | $1.29 | $1.29 |
| White Kidney Beans (15.5oz) | $1.25 *on sale* | $1.99 |
| Chicken Broth (14.5oz can) | $1.49 *on sale* | $1.39 |
| Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix | $2.79 | $1.79 |
| Frozen Corn (12oz bag) | $1.25 *on sale* | $0.99 |
| Frozen Peas (12oz bag) | $1.25 *on sale* | $0.99 |
| Milk (half gallon) | $1.29 *coupon* | $1.59 |
| Eggs (12ct) | $3.69 | $1.99 |
| Cheddar Cheese (1lb) | $5.98 | $3.79 |
| Colby Cheddar (8oz) | $2.99 | $1.99 |
| Parmesan Cheese (6oz) | $2.99 | $2.29 |
| Total: | $137.49 | $114.23 |
Target did come out cheaper, but unfortunately they did not carry the yellow squash we needed.
Food for Thought
Since Target was missing an item, we would have to go to multiple stores to get our list. So, let’s see if going to both QFC and Target and just buying the cheapest in stock items can get us under $100.
The total of going to both places, would have been $106.94. That’s an additional savings of $7.29 (about 6.3%).
Since we have to go to multiple stores anyways, at least by buying the cheapest items we could possibly get closer to our $100 budget!
