Aldi vs Coles vs Woolworths
Last updated 2 May 2026
Our daily tracking of 20 essential items shows Aldi at $69.30 (19 items, 1 not stocked), Woolworths at $120.67 and Coles at $136.12. Aldi is roughly 49 percent cheaper than Coles on this basket. But the right choice depends on what you actually buy.
When to choose Aldi
Staple groceries. Everyday household items. Frozen food. Packaged pantry goods. Aldi wins consistently on price for these categories.
When to choose Woolworths or Coles
Name brand products. Weekly catalogue specials on specific items. Fresh produce where quality varies. Loyalty points if you use Flybuys or Everyday Rewards.
Scenarios for different shoppers
Student or single: Aldi first for basics plus occasional specials at Coles or Woolworths.
Family of four: Aldi for staples saves the most over a year. Research shows families can save hundreds of dollars annually by shifting staples to Aldi.
Regional shoppers: Aldi does not have stores everywhere. Check whether there is one near you before relying on it.
Frequently asked questions
Aldi stocks fewer products, mostly its own brand, with simpler store formats and supply chains. These lower costs are passed on as lower prices.