Yes — Walmart is significantly cheaper than Jewel-Osco (Jewel). Here's what the data shows: **Consumer Reports 2026 study (published Feb. 2026)** Consumer Reports partnered with the Strategic Resource Group to compare prices on comparable grocery baskets at major chains across six U.S. metro areas (including Chicago), using Walmart as the baseline. The findings: - **Jewel-Osco is the 4th most expensive grocery chain** in the study, with prices averaging **~29.7% higher than Walmart**. - For context, other chains compared to Walmart: Whole Foods +39.7%, Shaw's +31.9%, El Rancho +30.1%, Jewel-Osco +29.7%, Mariano's +27.6%. - Cheaper than Walmart: Costco (-21.4%), BJ's (-21%), Lidl (-8.5%), Aldi (-8.3%), WinCo (-3.3%), H-E-B (-0.2%). **Checkbook.org (Chicago-area analysis)** A separate local analysis found Jewel's prices were about **26% higher than Walmart** (and 21% higher than Meijer and Food 4 Less, 18% higher than Target). **Bottom line:** On average, you'll pay roughly **26–30% more** for the same groceries at Jewel-Osco compared to Walmart. Walmart is clearly the cheaper option of the two. A few caveats: - These are averages — individual items and weekly sales can vary, and Jewel's loyalty-card deals can narrow the gap on specific items. - If you're looking for the absolute cheapest options, Aldi and Costco (with a membership) beat Walmart too. - Walmart generally has lower everyday prices, while Jewel-Osco runs more frequent sales/coupons, so the best choice can depend on your shopping list and whether you use sales.