Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Costco are four pharmacies where you may be able to fill a prescription. Prices and availability depend on the exact medication, pharmacy location, coverage, and current offers.
Compare current quotes for the same prescription and quantity, then confirm the amount directly with each pharmacy. Do not assume a general comparison applies to your prescription.
Consumer Reports is a general consumer-information resource; this guide does not use it as a source for pharmacy-specific prices or rankings.
Walmart vs. CVS vs. Walgreens vs. Costco: Pharmacy Comparison
- Ask whether any current offer applies to your prescription
- Confirm the self-pay price for the exact product and quantity
- Ask whether your insurance is accepted at this location
- Ask whether any current offer applies to your prescription
- Confirm the self-pay price for the exact product and quantity
- Ask whether your insurance is accepted at this location
- Check a returned discount estimate against your insurance copay
- Confirm the product, quantity, and price at the location you choose
- Ask which offer or payment terms apply to your prescription
- Ask the location about pharmacy access and applicable terms
- Confirm the product, quantity, and price before filling
- Compare any returned estimate with the final pharmacy quote
Compare Current Prices at All Four Pharmacies
No lookup has been requested. Choose your prescription to compare returned estimates.
| Pharmacy chain | Returned discount estimate |
|---|---|
| Walmart | Not requested |
| CVS | Not requested |
| Walgreens | Not requested |
| Costco | Not requested |
Estimates come from RxDiff's RxGo price lookup for the selected NDC, quantity, and ZIP. The lowest matching returned estimate for each chain is shown; it may not be available at every branch. A missing quote is not a zero-dollar price or proof a pharmacy cannot fill the prescription. Verify the final price and availability directly with the location.
Search RxDiff to see all returned pharmacies and available discount offers, not just these four chains.
Walmart vs. CVS vs. Walgreens vs. Costco: What Else Matters?
Walgreens and Costco can return different estimates from Walmart and CVS for the same medication. Compare the same NDC, quantity, and ZIP for all four, and ask each location to confirm the actual amount and stock. If a chain does not appear in the results, ask that pharmacy directly rather than assuming its price.
Comparing Pharmacy Services and Convenience
Price is one factor in choosing a pharmacy. Check the current services and hours at the specific location, whether it can fill your prescription, and whether your plan or offer applies there.
Location and hours: Contact the pharmacy or check its current location information before traveling.
Pharmacy services: Ask the location what services it currently offers and whether they meet your needs.
Specialty prescriptions: Ask your plan and pharmacy where your specific prescription can be filled.
Convenience: Compare travel, hours, and available services alongside the confirmed price.
How to Compare Prices at Each Pharmacy
At Walmart: Ask for the current price for your exact prescription and whether any offer applies.
At CVS: Ask for the current price for your exact prescription and whether any offer applies.
At Walgreens: Compare a returned discount estimate with your insurance copay, and check which payment option the location accepts.
At Costco: Ask your chosen location about pharmacy access and any applicable membership or offer terms as well as the final prescription price.
For any pharmacy: Ask your pharmacist and insurer how the quantity prescribed, coverage, and any offer affect the price.
Ask each pharmacy whether it accepts the specific discount offer for your prescription. Confirm the final amount and terms directly with the pharmacy.
Compare Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Costco Prices on Your Medication
Use RxDiff to check current prices for your prescription and confirm the amount with the pharmacy.
Check Current Prices →Frequently Asked Questions
Neither is consistently cheaper for every prescription. The lower price depends on the drug, strength, quantity, location, and payment option; compare current quotes for your exact prescription.
Quotes can vary by medication, formulation, strength, quantity, location, coverage, and discount offer. A lower estimate at one chain for one drug does not mean that chain will be cheaper for another.
Use the same medication, form, strength, quantity, and ZIP code for both estimates. Compare insurance and discount options separately, then confirm the final price and availability with each pharmacy location before filling.