Coles and IGA

Coles and IGA are the big supermarkets here in Perth Australia. Well at least in the place where I am staying now, these are the biggest and of course together with Woolsworth. To compare prices when buying stuff, (be it clothes, accessories, food, and the like) is just normal to me. Perhaps to some this is just typical cheapskate behaviour, some say typical Singaporean or typical Asian or whatever. Honestly, I don't feel this is just something existing in a culture or community. it exists where people are. Don't tell me if you see a chocolate bar selling $1 at one shop and the shop 5 minutes from it sells at $2, you will buy the expensive one? I will go for the cheap one no matter what you say.

Anyway, this entry is dedicated to those staying here.. Everyone tells me IGA food costs less than Coles, well... Let me tell you, in the area where I am staying, Coles is cheaper, seriously.. Unless all food prices across branches varies, else I believe you will find the following information very true.

Here's a list of things I have discovered so far, but of coz a lot are Coles own brand, so if you are looking at certain brands then probably IGA is cheaper, I don't really know. Actually Coles brand isn't that bad, try it.

Eggs costs a mere $3.49 @ 700grams (IGA? well average $4+ to $5)
Peanut butter costs just $1.99 for 375 grams (IGA costs average $3+)
Bread is only $1.49 (IGA? from $1.69 to $1.99 to every thing above even on discount and its local brand)
Cooking oil $1.69 @ 750 grams (I believe you can't find anything of this price anywhere)
Rice for 1kg is only $1.10 LOL
Nestle cereal at 350 grams? $4.53 (IGA is not very far from that but it is $4.99)
Pasta is only 89cents but of course those on sales costs only 99cents which is not very different
Salt for 500gram is 82 cents in bottle, or 88 cents per kg in packet form
Meat (Red and white meat) also costs less because of the big portions

Think I'm crazy to do all these? Well... The price difference drives me nuts especially when I know I'm being overcharged.

But to be fair to IGA, there are products that are cheaper than Coles.
For example
Milk are cheaper by a few cents (but honestly they vary so much I don't know what is the price)
Butter is also cheaper because the 99cents special is always on
Cadbury chocolates @250grams costs only $2.99 (on special only)

Anything on special, check the price difference first. With more than $1 discount they might be worth buying. Keep a look out next time you go grocery shopping.