Choosing one supermarket over another can translate into meaningful savings over a year if one pays attention to the numbers. The annual study by the Consumers and Users Organization (OCU) highlights once again where prices diverge the most. It compares the prices of up to 1,180 supermarkets across 65 cities, including a cluster in Alicante and several in Elche. The takeaway is clear: location and store choice matter for household budgets.
The study shows that the average price of a standard shopping cart rose by 15.2 percent since May 2021, marking the largest jump in 34 years. The typical basket now costs about 5,568 euros, yet where you shop within the same city can produce substantial savings. On average, a family could save around 994 euros per year by choosing one retailer over another in town.
In the two main cities of the province, Alicante presents slightly higher prices than Elche, with an index of 121 versus 118 for Baix Vinalopó. Yet careful shopping can still trim costs. A family living in the provincial capital could reduce expenses by up to 966 euros by opting for the cheapest supermarket, whereas the maximum Elche savings top out at about 799 euros.
The study identifies the most affordable supermarkets in Alicante. The cheapest option is the Alcampo store on Ramos Carratalá Boulevard, with an index of 109. This means the typical cart at this store is only about 9 percent more expensive than the country’s cheapest supermarket overall, the Alcampo hypermarket in Vigo’s Coia district, used as the base index of 100. Nearby there are other affordable picks, with Carrefour and Mercadona earning solid scores in the mid- to high-100s. The most expensive outlets in Alicante include several that register over 120 points, signaling noticeably higher prices for the same basket.
In Elche, the best value basket appears at Supeco on Novelda Street, with an index around 109, and Hyperber on Crevillente Road with about 113. Carrefour on the Alicante-Murcia highway sits at 114, while Mercadona on Alicante Street edges into the mid-100s, and the city’s own center store rounds out the picture at around 116. The outlets with the higher price tags among those examined include certain larger chains where the index approaches or exceeds 122 to 126, reflecting pricier options in parts of the city.
The study’s takeaway is consistent: price shifts have occurred across all major chains, and no single brand has escaped rising costs. Consumers should expect some variation across districts and street-level choices. The price gaps highlighted by the OCUs analysis emphasize the opportunity to optimize weekly budgets by selecting stores with consistently lower prices and by comparing baskets across nearby outlets, rather than assuming the same price applies everywhere in town.
The data complement other shopping insights by showing where economic baskets and fresh baskets align or diverge across the city landscape. The economic basket reflects basic, everyday items and their evolving costs, while the fresh basket tracks perishable goods that can swing more dramatically with supply conditions. The comparison across these baskets helps families gauge which retailers offer the best overall value for the typical weekly shop.
The Alicante and Elche findings are presented with clear scores for each store type, giving readers a practical benchmark to guide shopping decisions. This kind of information empowers households to plan ahead, compare options, and make informed choices about where to shop for different categories of products. The OCUs analysis stands as a useful resource for anyone looking to manage rising grocery costs with a strategic approach rather than a routine one.
It is important to note that the OCUs conclusions are based on extensive price checks across numerous supermarkets and neighborhoods. While price remains a central factor, other considerations such as product variety, quality, and store experience also influence where families choose to shop. By paying attention to both price indices and local store offerings, shoppers in Alicante, Elche, and surrounding areas can optimize their grocery spending over the year. (OCU report, cited for its nationwide price tracking and city-level comparisons)
Suprised shoppers may find it helpful to keep a small notebook or mobile log comparing basket costs across their regular routes. Small, consistent adjustments—like choosing a cheaper anchor store for staples and visiting a higher-priced outlet only for specific items—can add up. The OCUs study reinforces a simple principle: staying aware of price gaps between nearby stores is a practical strategy to stretch the weekly budget further without sacrificing essential items.
In short, the price landscape in Alicante and Elche shows meaningful opportunities for savings. By balancing store selection with careful basket planning, households can realize substantial annual reductions while still meeting everyday needs. The OCUs analysis provides a clear map of where value lies, helping families navigate a market that has seen persistent price growth over the past few years. (OCU data and regional breakdowns cited)