How to Compare Prescription Prices Between CVS and Walgreens: A Buyer's Guide

When it comes to filling prescriptions across America, two pharmacy giants dominate the landscape. CVS and Walgreens together command over 40% of the U.S. prescription drug market, making them the go-to options for millions of patients. But understanding how these retailers differ—from their pricing strategies to service offerings—is crucial for making a smarter choice about where to fill your medications.

Understanding Market Position and Store Accessibility

CVS holds the leading position with approximately 25% of the prescription drug revenue market, operating over 9,700 locations nationwide. Walgreens follows as the second-largest player with an 18% market share and around 9,000 store locations. For most Americans, both chains offer similar convenience in terms of geographic reach—many neighborhoods have either chain within walking distance or a short drive.

However, logistics matter. Walgreens distinguishes itself through curbside pickup service, allowing customers to place orders online and retrieve medications and other items at their car within 30 minutes. CVS lacks this option, requiring customers to enter the store and visit checkout after placing online or app-based orders. For time-conscious shoppers or those preferring contactless transactions, this operational difference can be significant.

Evaluating In-Store Healthcare Services

Both pharmacies have expanded beyond traditional prescription fulfillment. They offer immunizations, health screenings, over-the-counter medications, and home delivery services for prescription refills. Mobile apps from both retailers streamline prescription management and medication information access.

The healthcare clinic advantage currently favors CVS. Their MinuteClinic operates within 1,100 CVS locations, making it the nation’s largest retail healthcare provider. These clinics offer walk-in appointments with nurse practitioners and physician assistants during extended hours, including evenings and weekends—no appointment necessary.

Walgreens operates approximately 400 medical clinics across 20 states, representing roughly one-third of CVS’s clinic footprint. The company has announced plans to substantially expand through VillageMD partnerships, targeting 600 clinic locations by 2025 and 1,000 by 2027. Until this expansion materializes, those seeking readily available in-person medical consultations may find CVS more accessible.

How to Compare Prescription Prices and Savings Programs

When evaluating where to fill prescriptions, price comparison should be your starting point. CVS and Walgreens maintain competitive medication pricing, though costs vary by product and current promotional offers. Researching specific medications at both locations before committing to one pharmacy can reveal meaningful savings.

Both retailers reward customer loyalty through proprietary programs. CVS’s ExtraBucks system offers coupons immediately after purchase, which can be stacked on subsequent transactions—a “rolling” savings mechanism that rewards strategic shopping patterns. Walgreens’ Register Rewards program operates differently, typically offering coupons on alternative products rather than the same item, limiting accumulation of discounts on single deals.

CVS provides an additional advantage through in-store coupon machines that generate personalized offers based on purchase history. Walgreens directs users to its mobile app for digital coupons, lacking the personalization sophistication of CVS’s system. For deal-maximizers, the ability to compare prescription prices across retailers and take advantage of rolling reward structures can substantially reduce out-of-pocket medication costs.

Customer Service and Final Considerations

Consumer satisfaction metrics present a mixed picture. According to Consumer Affairs, Walgreens averages a 3.9 out of 5 customer rating, outpacing CVS’s 3.6 rating. Conversely, Comparably data shows CVS maintains a Net Promoter Score 13 points higher than Walgreens, suggesting stronger customer loyalty despite slightly lower overall satisfaction ratings. These variations often reflect individual store experiences rather than chain-wide standards.

Making Your Decision

Your optimal pharmacy choice depends on personal priorities. If curbside pickup and immediate healthcare access matter most, Walgreens and CVS each offer distinct advantages. For those focused on maximizing savings through loyalty programs and coupon strategies, comparing prescription prices directly while considering each retailer’s rewards structure proves essential. Both remain excellent options—the key is identifying which features and pricing models align with your specific healthcare needs and shopping habits.