Target vs Walmart for Groceries in Queens NYC: 2024 Comparison

If you’re comparing Target vs Walmart for Groceries: Queens Locations Compared, know this: As of November 2024, Target’s groceries in Queens average about 7–10% more expensive than Walmart’s, but Target stores in the borough generally open earlier and have more convenient self-checkout. Many newcomers don’t realise Walmart has no physical stores within NYC limits; the nearest Walmart is in Valley Stream, just outside Queens, requiring a car or rideshare. This makes grocery shopping trickier if you rely on public transport or need same-day items. Most Queens residents combine online ordering from Walmart with in-person trips to local Targets—especially for fresh produce. This guide lays out up-to-date price comparisons, lists exact Queens Target locations, and explains your best strategies if you don’t drive. You’ll see which option works best for your budget, schedule, and access, with tips tailored for recent immigrants navigating the borough’s unique grocery landscape.

Overview of Grocery Options in Queens NYC

When it comes to grocery shopping in Queens, NYC, you’re spoiled for choice—and yet, somehow, always running into the same dilemma: Target vs Walmart for groceries in Queens NYC. It’s the eternal question at the end of the 7 train, especially when you’re comparing the Jackson Heights Target on Queens Blvd (right off the 74th St-Broadway/Roosevelt Ave stop) with the Walmart over in Rego Park, a schlep from the E, M, or R lines at 63rd Drive. Each store offers its own flavor of New York hustle, immigrant energy, and those little local quirks—like how Target’s peak hours seem to coincide with school dismissals, and Walmart’s self-checkouts are always jammed up on Sunday afternoons.

But here’s the kicker: while both chains offer wide aisles (rare in Manhattan) and a staggering array of international groceries—think Goya beans, Tapatío, and halal chicken—you’ll still spot folks clutching MetroCards, eyes darting to the clock, calculating if they can make it home before the Q47 bus stops running. In 2024, the lines for customer service are still a test of patience, but both Target and Walmart have streamlined returns to under 10 minutes if you come before noon on weekdays—otherwise, expect a 30-minute wait, especially on the first of the month. Immigrant families often split up, one person hunting bargains in the produce section, the other texting about sales at the nearest bodega for backup.

Target vs Walmart Locations in Queens

If you’re weighing Target vs Walmart for groceries in Queens, you’re not alone—especially when every MetroCard swipe and dollar counts. In 2024, Walmart’s absence in NYC proper is still the talk of every borough, while Target’s red bullseye has multiplied in spots like Elmhurst (88-01 Queens Blvd, M/R lines at Elmhurst Ave) and Forest Hills (7000 Austin St, near the E/F/M/R at 71st Ave). Sure, you’ll find Walmarts in Valley Stream or up in Long Island, but you’ll need to hop an LIRR from Jamaica Station and factor in the $10+ round trip. For immigrants juggling work shifts and family, time lost on transit is cash left on the table.

Let’s talk neighbourhood nuance: Target’s Jackson Heights spot draws late-shift nurses, Roosevelt Ave’s global mix, and families who’d rather avoid schlepping to Manhattan or Nassau for groceries. Prices? In 2024, a gallon of milk at Target averages $4.09, while Walmart lists $3.85—but add transit and time, and that “savings” evaporates. For many Queens residents, especially new arrivals, access trumps price. And with Target’s bilingual signage and expanded halal/kosher aisles, it’s tuned into the borough’s pulse.

• Most convenient Target for Sunnyside/Woodside: 40-25 Queens Blvd (7 train to 40th St-Lowery)
• Check Target’s weekly circular for produce deals—fresh cilantro $0.79/bunch this week
• Walmart in Secaucus, NJ? Only if you’re headed that way—tolls and bus fare add up fast

Comparison of Prices and Product Selection

When it comes to the Target vs Walmart for groceries in Queens NYC debate, real New Yorkers know it’s not just about who’s got the best price on eggs. It’s about convenience, selection, and whether the store is anywhere near the 7 train or if you’ll need to schlep your haul up Roosevelt Ave. At the Target in Elmhurst (40-24 College Point Blvd, a hop from the Main St-Flushing 7 line), you’ll find organic produce, specialty items for immigrant families, and surprisingly robust international aisles. Walmart’s only NYC location in East New York, Brooklyn (nearest to Broadway Junction, A/C/L/J/Z), is a longer trek for most Queens residents, but it lures with deep discounts—think $2.97 for a dozen eggs or $1.18 for a five-pack of ramen in June 2024.

While Walmart undercuts Target on basics, Target’s product selection is curated for Queens’ diversity—halal meats, gochujang, and Filipino snacks are common sightings, which you won’t always find at the big-box in Brooklyn. Processing times at both stores—checkout lines, self-service, MetroCard-accepting payment kiosks—can vary. Expect a 10-15 minute wait at Target during weeknights after 6pm, while Walmart can be a madhouse Saturdays, especially after 5pm. In 2024, both are going after the Jackson Heights crowd, but only Target offers same-day delivery to Astoria and Corona, with fees starting at $5.99.

• Target is easier to hit if you’re already in Queens—think quick stops after work on the 7 or E trains.
• Walmart’s prices are lower for staples, but the commute from Queens (unless you live in Ridgewood, right on the border) might eat up savings.
• Both stores accept SNAP; Target’s app has more Queens-centric weekly deals.
• Selection for international groceries is wider at Target’s Queens locations than at Walmart Brooklyn.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Store

When weighing Target vs Walmart for groceries in Queens NYC, there’s more at stake than just price tags. First, consider sheer convenience. If you’re in Jackson Heights and don’t want to schlep bags on the 7 train, Target’s store at 40-25 82nd St (right off the 82nd St–Jackson Heights station) is a godsend. But if you’re coming from Jamaica or Elmhurst, Walmart’s new pickup location at 77-02 Vleigh Pl (a short walk from the Kew Gardens–Union Tpke E/F stop) might save you a subway transfer and an extra swipe of your MetroCard.

Let’s talk prices and payment. In 2024, eggs at Target hover around $3.59/dozen, while Walmart clocks in at $3.19. But Target accepts SNAP/EBT and offers Spanish-language self-checkouts—huge for immigrant families. Walmart’s app is zippy for mobile orders, though, and both stores let you pay with an old-school MetroCard if you need cash back (just ask at self-checkout, but expect a $100 limit per transaction—rules change fast in NYC).

• Payment accepted: EBT, credit/debit, MetroCard cashback
• Language support: English, Spanish, Mandarin (Target)
• Egg price (2024): $3.19–$3.59/dozen
• Order processing: Pickup ready in 2 hours (Target), 4 hours (Walmart)

Tips for Shopping at Target and Walmart in Queens

If you’re sizing up Target vs Walmart for groceries in Queens, you need more than a shopping list—you need a battle plan. These aren’t your suburban big-boxes; think packed aisles, MetroCards poised, and Queens Boulevard traffic. Target’s at 88-01 Queens Blvd (Elmhurst), just a quick hop from the M or R train at Grand Ave-Newtown. Walmart? The closest is technically just over the border in Rego Park, but it’s a bus ride away—catch the Q38 from Forest Hills-71st Ave (E, F, M, R lines). Expect Target’s RedCard savings (5% off, but check the fine print), while Walmart’s app might snag you a rollback deal on pantry basics—rice, beans, or halal meat for Astoria’s diverse crowd.

Don’t underestimate the weekday 6pm crush or weekend lines—timing is everything in Queens. Go early (before 10am) or late (after 8pm), especially if you’re hauling groceries back to Jackson Heights or Flushing. Bring reusable bags (NYC’s 5-cent bag fee adds up). And if you’re juggling kids, Target’s got better stroller access, while Walmart’s self-checkout lines move faster, but only if you speak a little English—help can be scarce, especially for newcomers learning the ropes.

• Download the MTA app for real-time subway and bus info—weekend service changes are legendary.
• Check for in-app coupons and digital receipts to save on essentials—essentials like Goya beans or Sriracha go fast in Queens.
• Have your MetroCard or OMNY ready—buses don’t wait, especially during evening rush.
• Watch for price scanners—sometimes shelf tags don’t match register prices, and staff are used to savvy shoppers challenging errors.

You now have a clear understanding of the differences between Target and Walmart for groceries in Queens in 2024, including which location might best suit your needs based on pricing, selection, and convenience. This knowledge empowers you to make more informed shopping decisions, saving you both time and money on your weekly grocery runs.

Your first step is to identify your most important shopping priorities—whether it’s budget, product variety, or proximity—and then visit the nearest Target and Walmart locations to compare their offerings firsthand. Planning a quick visit early next week can give you practical insights tailored to your preferences.

Have any questions or experiences to share? We’d love to hear from you. For more tips on navigating Queens’ grocery options, check our comprehensive guide on indonewyork.com. What’s worked best for you so far? Join the conversation and stay informed!