When you’re trying to stretch your grocery and household budget, you’ve probably wondered the same thing I have:
Is the dollar store really cheaper than Walmart?
Walmart is famous for low prices, but there are actually quite a few items where Dollar Tree can still beat Walmart on price. The biggest trick is knowing which items are worth buying there and which ones aren’t.
Because dollar stores often sell smaller package sizes, Walmart sometimes wins when you compare the price per ounce or unit. But for certain everyday items, especially household basics and party supplies, Dollar Tree can still be the better deal.
If you’re trying to save money on everyday household purchases, here are some things that are often cheaper at Dollar Tree.
Household Items Cheaper at Dollar Tree
1. Bandages
Dollar Tree bandages can cost less overall than Walmart’s store brand when comparing similar quantities.
If you keep bandages around for kitchen cuts, gardening mishaps, or kids’ scrapes, stocking up at Dollar Tree can save money.
2. Dish Wands and Scrub Brushes
Dollar Tree carries simple dish wands and cleaning brushes that cost around $1.25–$1.50, which is often cheaper than comparable brushes at Walmart.
These work perfectly well for everyday kitchen cleaning.
3. Glass Cleaner
A large bottle of glass cleaner at Dollar Tree is often significantly cheaper than the store-brand option at Walmart.
This is one of those simple cleaning supplies that doesn’t need to be fancy to work well.
4. Mesh Laundry Bags
Laundry bags used for delicate clothing are another item that is often cheaper at Dollar Tree.
They work just as well for washing items like:
- socks
- bras
- small clothing items
5. Vacuum Storage Bags
These bags help save space when storing seasonal clothing or bedding.
Dollar Tree versions often cost about half the price of similar bags at Walmart.
Kitchen Items Cheaper at Dollar Tree
6. Measuring Cups
Dollar Tree sells basic plastic measuring cup sets that are significantly cheaper than similar sets at Walmart.
They’re great to keep as extra kitchen tools or backups.
7. Silicone Trivets
Silicone trivets protect your countertops from hot pans and are often much cheaper at Dollar Tree than similar versions sold at Walmart.
8. Flexible Cutting Mats
These thin cutting mats help protect counters while chopping vegetables.
They’re inexpensive and easy to store.
9. Dish Drainers
Simple plastic dish racks can sometimes cost three to four times more at big box stores compared to Dollar Tree.
10. Ice Cube Trays
Basic ice trays are another simple kitchen item where Dollar Tree usually wins on price.
Party Supplies Cheaper at Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree is famous for party supplies — and for good reason.
11. Balloons
Party balloons are dramatically cheaper at Dollar Tree compared to Walmart in many cases.
If you’re planning a birthday party, graduation, or celebration, the savings can add up quickly.
12. Plastic Table Covers
Disposable tablecloths can cost several dollars at big box stores, while Dollar Tree often sells them for about $1.25.
13. Birthday Candles
Birthday candles may seem inexpensive anywhere, but they are often cheaper per pack at the dollar store.
14. Party Banners
Decorations like “Happy Birthday” banners are often much cheaper at Dollar Tree than at Walmart.
Home Decor Cheaper at Dollar Tree
15. Picture Frames
Dollar Tree has a surprising selection of picture frames that cost far less than basic frames sold at Walmart.
They’re perfect for:
- craft projects
- gallery walls
- seasonal decorating
16. Candles
Dollar Tree candles can cost about half the price of similar basic candles at larger retailers.
17. Small Wastebaskets
Basic plastic trash cans are often significantly cheaper at Dollar Tree.
These work well in:
- bathrooms
- offices
- bedrooms
Personal Care Items Cheaper at Dollar Tree
18. Deodorant
Sometimes Dollar Tree carries name-brand deodorants that cost less than Walmart’s price for the same brand.
19. Body Lotion
Dollar Tree lotions can cost nearly half the price of comparable store brands sold at larger retailers.
20. Body Wash
Basic body wash options are often much cheaper at dollar stores compared to name brands at Walmart.
Miscellaneous Items Cheaper at Dollar Tree
21. Sunglasses
Cheap sunglasses are one of the best things to buy at Dollar Tree.
They’re perfect for:
- the beach
- travel
- keeping extras in the car
22. Water Bottles
Dollar Tree water bottles are often much cheaper than similar plastic bottles sold at Walmart.
23. Travel Toiletry Bottles
Travel-size containers for shampoo and lotion are a great deal at Dollar Tree.
24. Tape Measures
Basic tape measures are another simple tool that often costs less at the dollar store.
25. Stainless Steel Travel Mugs
Dollar Tree occasionally carries travel mugs that are significantly cheaper than similar options at big box retailers.
Tips for Saving Money at Dollar Stores
Dollar stores can be great for certain items, but there are a few tricks to shopping there smartly.
✔ Compare the price per ounce or unit
✔ Watch for smaller package sizes
✔ Buy basic household items rather than brand-name groceries
✔ Stock up on party supplies and simple kitchen tools
Dollar stores operate by selling a wide range of general merchandise at low price points, often using private-label or closeout products to keep costs down.
Final Thoughts
Walmart is still one of the cheapest places to shop overall, but there are definitely certain items where Dollar Tree wins on price.
If you’re trying to stretch your household budget, it can be worth stopping by both stores and picking up the items that are cheapest at each one.
Those small savings might not seem like much at first — but over time, they really start to add up.
