Dollar General vs Dollar Tree 2025: Which Is Actually Cheaper (We Checked 47 Items)
We price-checked 47 identical items at Dollar General and Dollar Tree. The results are surprising — and could save your family $800/year.
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Americans spend $58 billion annually at dollar stores. We spent two weeks price-checking 47 common household items at both Dollar General and Dollar Tree to find out which chain actually saves you more money.
The Results (Spoiler: It Depends)
Dollar Tree wins on: party supplies, greeting cards, gift wrap, cleaning supplies, seasonal decor, snacks under $1.25. Dollar General wins on: name-brand food, beverages (especially soda and water), personal care, and items where size matters (DG sells larger quantities).
Head-to-Head Price Comparison
| Item | Dollar Tree | Dollar General | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dish soap (16 oz) | $1.25 | $1.50 | 🌳 Tree |
| Tide Pods (16 ct) | Not sold | $6.95 | 🏪 DG |
| Greeting card | $1.25 | $3.50-$7 | 🌳 Tree |
| 2L Coca-Cola | $2.50 | $1.75 | 🏪 DG |
The Verdict
For most families: Shop Dollar Tree for cleaning supplies, party items, greeting cards, and small household items. Shop Dollar General for food, beverages, and personal care. Split your shopping and save up to 30% vs. doing all of it at one store.