In your first week you will buy food, sheets, a pan and a phone charger. Knowing which store sells what saves time and money.
Supermarket (Kroger, Safeway, Publix, H-E-B and many regional names): food, cleaning products, some medicine. Most have a pharmacy counter.
Big-box store (Walmart, Target): food, clothes, kitchen items, electronics, school supplies, often a pharmacy. Good for setting up a home in one trip.
Discount grocery (Aldi, Lidl, Grocery Outlet): fewer brands, lower prices. At Aldi you often put a quarter (25 cents) in the cart to unlock it and get it back when you return the cart. Bring your own bags.
Dollar store (Dollar Tree, Dollar General): cheap basics. Check the size: a small package can cost more per ounce than a big one elsewhere.
Pharmacy / drugstore (CVS, Walgreens): medicine, toiletries, snacks, photo printing. Prices are often higher than at a supermarket, except during sales.
Home improvement (Home Depot, Lowe's): tools, light bulbs, paint, curtains rods, small repairs.
Warehouse club (Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's): very large packages at lower prices per unit. You must buy a membership (a yearly fee to shop there).
Ethnic and international markets: food from your region. See the guide on finding food from home.
Is a warehouse membership worth it?
A basic membership costs roughly $50 to $70 a year, depending on the store. It usually pays off if:
You are a family of three or more, or you share with a roommate.
You have a car and space to store big packs.
You buy things like rice, oil, diapers, coffee or laundry soap often.
It may not pay off if you live alone in a small apartment and walk to the store. Many clubs let you visit once with a guest pass or a friend, so you can look at prices first. Warehouse gas stations are often cheaper too, but only for members.
Most stores take debit and credit cards and phone payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Some warehouse clubs accept only certain card networks; check the store's website.
The price on the shelf does not include sales tax in most states. It is added at the register. See the guide on sales tax and tips.
Self-checkout is common. If an item will not scan, press the help button and wait for a worker.
Buying a 10-pound bag of something you have never tried. Try a small size first.
Forgetting to cancel a membership trial. Put the renewal date in your calendar.
Assuming a bigger package is always cheaper. Compare the unit price (see the grocery guide).