How much can I really save shopping at the commissary?

Average savings is 23.7% compared to civilian grocery stores (per DeCA data). For a family spending $600/month on groceries, that's $142/month or $1,700/year in savings, even after the 5% surcharge. Meat and produce typically offer the highest savings percentages.

Is the commissary always cheaper than civilian grocery stores?

Not always. Sale items at civilian stores (especially loss leaders) may be cheaper than commissary prices. The commissary excels at consistent, everyday low prices on staples, meat, and produce. Smart military families price-match between commissary and civilian stores for best value.

What is the 5% commissary surcharge for?

The 5% surcharge funds commissary construction, maintenance, and improvements. It is NOT profit - commissaries are a non-profit benefit. Even with the surcharge, average savings is still 23.7% vs civilian stores.

Does the Exchange really save money without sales tax?

Yes! Sales tax savings alone is 5-10% depending on your state. For big purchases (TVs, appliances, furniture), this can save hundreds of dollars. Plus, MILITARY STAR card offers additional 10% off first-day purchases and rewards points.

Can I shop at the commissary and exchange if I'm retired or a veteran?

Retired military, 100% disabled veterans, and Medal of Honor recipients have full commissary and exchange privileges. Other veterans may have limited access - check current policy at your local installation.

Military Shopping Guide - Commissary & Exchange Savings | Garrison Ledger

Commissary: Average 23.7% Savings (DeCA Data)

23.7%

Avg Savings (DeCA Official)

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) sells groceries at cost - no markup. You only pay a 5% surcharge which funds facility construction and modernization. Based on DeCA market basket analysis.

Example: Family spending $600/month at civilian stores pays ~$458/month at commissary (23.7% savings per DeCA data).

~$1,700/year difference

Commissary Shopping Strategies

Stack coupons: Manufacturer coupons + Commissary app + Family Magazine coupons
Buy store brands: Additional 10-15% savings over name brands
Case Lot sales: Buy in bulk during special events (save 20-40%)
Shop Tuesday-Thursday: Best selection, shortest lines
Get Commissary Rewards Card: Earn points on purchases

5% Surcharge: This is NOT a tax or profit - it funds commissary facility improvements. Already included in the 23.7% average savings calculation (DeCA data).

Exchange: Tax-Free Shopping & MILITARY STAR Perks

Tax-Free Savings

Every purchase at the Exchange (AAFES, NEX, MCX) is tax-free. This saves you 6-10% depending on your state's sales tax rate.

Example: Big-Ticket Purchase

Laptop at Best Buy:$1,000 + $80 tax

Same laptop at Exchange:$1,000 (no tax!)

Save: $80

Electronics, appliances, furniture, clothing, toys - all tax-free. Annual savings on big purchases can easily exceed $500-1,000 per year.

MILITARY STAR Card Benefits

Card Perks:

No annual fee - Free to apply and maintain
5¢ off per gallon at Exchange gas stations
10% off food court purchases
Free shipping on online orders at ShopMyExchange.com
Special financing offers (0% APR promotions)
Competitive APR and rewards program

Gas Savings Example: Fill up twice per week (30 gallons) = $0.05 × 30 × 52 weeks = $78/year savings just on gas!

Exchange by Branch (All Offer Same Benefits)

AAFES

Army & Air Force Exchange Service

Serves: Army, Air Force, Space Force

Locations: Worldwide

NEX

Navy Exchange

Serves: Navy

Locations: Naval stations worldwide

MCX

Marine Corps Exchange

Serves: Marine Corps

Locations: Marine bases worldwide

100% of Exchange profits fund Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) programs: youth programs, fitness centers, pools, sports equipment, and recreation facilities. Your shopping supports your community!

Strategic Shopping: When to Buy Where

Buy at Commissary

▸Groceries: Meat, produce, dairy, pantry staples
▸Baby products: Diapers, formula, baby food
▸Household goods: Cleaning supplies, paper products
▸Specialty items: Organic, gluten-free usually cheaper

Based on DeCA data: Average 23.7% savings vs civilian stores. Use calculator to estimate your household benefit.

Buy at Exchange

▸Electronics: Laptops, phones, TVs (save 6-10% tax)
▸Appliances: Fridges, washers, dryers (big tax savings)
▸Furniture: Couches, beds, dining sets
▸Clothing: Uniforms, athletic wear, kids clothes
▸Gas: Use STAR card for 5¢/gal discount

Price match guarantee ensures you get best deal (local + online competitors)

Shopping Benefits FAQs

Who is eligible to shop on base?

Eligible to Shop Commissary & Exchange:

✓ Active duty service members (all branches)
✓ Guard and Reserve members
✓ Retirees and their dependents
✓ 100% disabled veterans
✓ Medal of Honor recipients
✓ Eligible dependents with valid ID
✓ Some disabled veterans with VHIC (Veterans Health ID Card)

You must show valid military ID at base gate and checkout. Dependents need current dependent ID card.

How much can I save shopping at the commissary vs civilian stores?

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) reports approximately 23.7% average savings compared to civilian grocery stores (based on market basket analysis). The 5% surcharge is already included in this calculation.

Example Calculation:

Monthly grocery budget (civilian):$800

Same groceries at commissary (~23.7% less):~$610

Monthly Difference:~$190

Annual Difference:~$2,280

Actual savings vary by location, product selection, and shopping habits. Some items show higher savings, others less. Use our calculator to estimate based on your specific spending. (Source: DeCA market basket analysis, verified 2025)

Can I use coupons at the commissary?

Yes! Commissaries accept manufacturer coupons and you can stack them for additional savings beyond the baseline 23.7% average.

Coupon Sources:

• Manufacturer coupons (newspaper, product websites)
• Digital coupons through Commissary app
• Family Magazine coupons (found at store entrances)
• Commissary Rewards Card exclusive offers

Pro Tip: Stack manufacturer coupons with commissary sale items for 30-50% off. Case Lot sales + coupons can provide significant additional savings on pantry staples beyond the baseline 23.7% average.

Does the Exchange price match online stores?

Yes. The Exchange matches identical items from local competitors and select online retailers under its price match policy.

How to Price Match:

Find lower price at competitor (Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, etc.)
Bring proof (ad, screenshot, link) to Exchange
Item must be identical (model number, condition, color)
Present at checkout for price adjustment

Stack savings: Price match + tax-free = potentially 6-15% cheaper than civilian stores for big-ticket items!

How Much Can You Save?

Use our calculator to estimate your annual savings from commissary and exchange shopping.

On-Base Savings Calculator

Calculate your annual savings from commissary, exchange, and STAR card benefits.

Get Personalized Savings Plan

AI-curated strategy to maximize your military shopping benefits.

Military Shopping Benefits Guide