Walmart in Midwest Vs. East Coast: Prices, Surprising Differences

Wisconsin’s state flag features a coat of arms and a badger flanked by a sailor and a yeoman.

New Jersey’s flag depicts its state seal in the official state colors George Washington chose during the Revolutionary War: buff and Jersey blue.

“In almost all stores, a US and state flag are displayed near the storefront as a show of support to the communities the company serves,” a Walmart spokesperson told Business Insider.

Wisconsin is known for its beer, and New Glarus Brewing’s Spotted Cow is one of the state’s most beloved brews.

The Teterboro Walmart had plenty of ginger beer, sparkling grape juice, and non-alcoholic cocktail mixes, but I was surprised it didn’t sell any alcohol.

New Jersey’s liquor laws dictate that only two locations of corporately owned supermarkets can sell beer, wine, and spirits in the state, NJ.com reported.

In Wisconsin, the only personal care products kept on locked shelves were sexual wellness items like condoms, emergency contraceptives, and pregnancy tests.

I noticed the same phenomenon when I compared Target stores in the Midwest and New York City. On the East Coast, more items were kept in locked cases to prevent theft.

A Walmart spokesperson told Business Insider that “some products are subject to additional security,” determined “on a store-by-store basis.”

In 2024, the government benefits resource website HelpAdvisor analyzed findings from the 2023 US Census Household Pulse Survey and determined that Wisconsin had the lowest average grocery costs out of any state.

Milk at New Jersey’s Walmart costs 11.2% more than it did in Wisconsin.

Grocery prices often vary by state due to differences in labor costs, food distribution costs, and the overall cost of living.

“We’re committed to meeting our customers’ shopping needs wherever they shop with us and understand in-store pricing can differ due to regional operating costs, extensive supplier networks, strict regulatory compliance, and competition,” a Walmart spokesperson said.

The grade-A eggs were also from Walmart’s Great Value brand.

Styrofoam food service products have been banned in New Jersey since 2022, although egg cartons were exempt from the ban until earlier this year.

I was surprised that eggs cost the same at both locations even though they were packaged differently.

Since I visited these Walmart stores in December 2024, egg prices have increased significantly due to shortages caused by bird flu. In April, the average price of a dozen large Grade A eggs was $5.12, 79% higher than it was a year prior.

The store also stocked pellet guns and air rifles for small game hunting.

A Walmart spokesperson confirmed that outdoor sporting licenses are not offered at the Teterboro location, though they are available at other store locations in New Jersey.

The Teterboro store also didn’t stock any guns other than toys and water guns.

The Walmart store in Manitowoc featured a bakery and deli. It also sold packaged salads and take-and-bake pizzas.

Lore previously served as Walmart’s president of e-commerce. His startup, Wonder, offers dine-in, delivery, and takeout meals from restaurants by celebrity and Michelin-star chefs.

Teterboro is the third Walmart store to open a Wonder location. The others are at Walmart stores in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, and Ledgewood, New Jersey.

Wonder has continued to grow, acquiring the meal-kit company Blue Apron for $103 million in 2023 and GrubHub for $650 million in November.