Which Manchester grocery stores are the most budget friendly?

If you’re on a tight budget, grocery shopping in Manchester has become a bit of a strategy game. Indeed, it’s like this everywhere in the country right now. Between rising prices and shifting weekly specials, stretching your budget when you’re headed to the grocery store takes more planning and less winging it. 

So, before we shop, we often have to ask ourselves some questions. Are the weekly specials and “deals” actually a deal? Are everyday low prices really that low? What places do other Manchester residents recommend for buying groceries on a budget? 

The good news is that Manchester shoppers aren’t stuck in the middle of nowhere, and we have plenty of options (not just Walmart or Dollar General), but knowing where to go can make a real difference at checkout.

We took a look at the stores most recommended by locals. We also studied a nationwide analysis of grocery chains conducted earlier this year. Between locals’ recommendations and the above-mentioned NetCredit analysis, we’ve found the stores that keep prices consistently low year-round, and those that offer deep weekly discounts, bulk savings, or membership programs. 

Let’s take a look at the most budget-friendly grocery stores across Manchester that locals turn to again and again. These are the places where smart shopping habits can actually pay off — without sacrificing quality or variety, and without spending your dollars at big box stores like Walmart or Target. 

A grocery cart. Eduardo Soares/Unsplash

Price Rite Marketplace of Manchester

While Target held the title for the most affordable grocery stores across 15 states, that was not the case in New Hampshire, where Price Rite beat them out by over 6% in savings. An article by Patch noted that Market Basket was not included in that study, and that their prices are anecdotally cheaper (we’ll get to that).

Price Rite is a discount-oriented supermarket known for competitive everyday prices and weekly savings. While comparable to ALDI in pricing, Price Rite carries more national brands as well as their own private labels. It’s listed among the top budget picks in all of New England, especially for basics and pantry staples.

The first modern Price Rite store opened in 1995 in West Springfield, Massachusetts as a limited-assortment, value-oriented grocery concept. In 2017, the chain rebranded to “Price Rite Marketplace” to reflect a broader selection of products, including more fresh foods and private-label options. Today, there are over sixty Price Rite Marketplace stores across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including locations in New Hampshire.

This chain also offers weekly ads and digital coupons as well as special buys and deals on a number of seasonal products, produce, and meats for bigger savings when you shop.

The produce aisle at ALDI in Wexford, PA. – Stacy Rounds

ALDI

This year’s NetCredit study also did not include ALDI since the study’s benchmarks revolved around a seed list of national brands. Due to its heavy store brand model, ALDI has been comparatively cheaper than many big box grocery stores for years. Also, considering that this author is a die-hard ALDI fan, it can be said, without a doubt, that the ALDI way of life offers incredible savings for families.

It has also been noted on Reddit by many local users that shipping at ALDI and making up the national brand product gap at Market Basket is the way to go if you want to save big and get everything you want. 

This wonderful, no-frills grocer offers consistently low prices on produce, dairy, frozen foods, and its store brands. The store brands’ “Twice as Nice” guarantee means that you’re never sacrificing quality if you are in a pinch and need to buy generic. Also, ALDI offers clearance prices on anything that expires within five days. The clearance discounts can be anywhere from 30-75% off. 

Altogether, ALDI’s business model keeps costs down and is popular with budget-minded shoppers nationwide. And if you love the thrill of finding oddball products, check out their aisle of shame!

Market Basket

A regional favorite with a reputation for good overall value and solid deals on staples, all signs point to Market Basket often being one of the cheaper full-service supermarkets in Manchester, in Boston, and all across New England

Some of our parents (and, depending on where you live, grandparents and great-grandparents) raised us on Market Basket. Indeed, Market Basket’s roots date back to 1917, and its presence across New England has grown gradually, including expansion into multiple cities and towns in New Hampshire, such as Salem (1964), Manchester, Nashua, Hooksett, and others. 

But local shoppers are not loyal because they were raised on Market Basket. The stores actually keep the prices as low as possible to serve the New England communities they’re in. That’s why the stores are generally busy, especially around holidays.

Local shoppers frequently praise Market Basket’s lower costs on staples like produce, dairy, meat, and pantry items, calling it one of the cheapest places to shop without sacrificing selection.