Which supermarket is cheapest in Australia?

Last updated 2 May 2026

Aldi is consistently cheapest for everyday staple groceries. Our daily tracking shows a basket of 20 essential items currently costs $69.30 at Aldi (19 items, with one item not stocked), $120.67 at Woolworths and $136.12 at Coles. That is a difference of $66.82 between the cheapest and most expensive option on the same essentials.

This aligns with what CHOICE found in its December 2025 survey: a 20 item basket cost $72.41 at Aldi compared to $98.98 at Woolworths and $100.04 at Coles. The gap is real and consistent over time.

See today’s full basket comparison →

Why Aldi is usually cheaper

Aldi operates a leaner model. It stocks roughly 1,600 products compared to more than 15,000 at Coles. Most of those products are Aldi’s own brand rather than the national brands you find at Woolworths and Coles. Fewer products means simpler supply chains, smaller store footprints and lower operating costs. Those savings are passed on through lower shelf prices.

Aldi does not run traditional weekly catalogue specials in the same way as Woolworths and Coles. Its everyday prices are simply lower on staple items.

When Coles or Woolworths can win

Weekly catalogue specials at Coles and Woolworths can bring specific items below Aldi’s everyday price in any given week. Both chains run loyalty programs that offer member pricing on selected products. Name brand products that Aldi does not stock are only available at the major chains.

ShopHop updates prices on an ongoing basis so you can always check which chain is currently cheapest for whatever product you are looking for.

The shop hopping strategy

Research shows 61% of Australians now visit two or more supermarkets each week. Buying staples at Aldi, catching specific specials at Coles or Woolworths and checking unit prices before you go is the most effective approach for reducing your grocery bill.

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