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Okay, I know this will have limited interest, but just wondering for those who have shopped at both how does the 32nd St Exchange compare to, what I consider one of the best exchanges in the Navy, Pearl Harbor Exchange. When living there, I did 90% of my shopping at both the Navy Exchange and Commissary. Just wondering what others thought, since we will be moving to San Diego next year.
There are a few places [like Pearl] where the local price of goods is high, so the Commissary prices are very favorable. AAFES is a private corporation so I am not as familiar with their price setting policies.
Southern California on the other hand has much lower price food. So I suspect that your experience will not be as favorable there.
We have shopped at Pearl, though we have not shopped in San Diego.
I've cruised through Pearl when I was in Oahu on vacation - but not doing any serious shopping. It seemed like the exchange in Japan - great prices compared to the local prices...
The 32nd Street Exchange (I shop the Commissary there now) is pretty nice.
Recent purchases that were alot cheaper after shopping around include : Britax Car Seat, Bose headphones, Entertainment Center, and Lancome make-up.
Mahalo! I'm retired, so my concern is where to shop. My annuity is generous, but still we'll have limited funds and I want to shop wisely. It's good to hear that the food prices in San Diego are reasonable. We're in Texas now and the food prices are reasonable as well, but there is no State Income Tax here, whereas, I'll have less disposable cash in SD due to the high amount of taxes. Again Thanks!
San Diego is definitely one of the areas, along with Hawaii and Japan (among others), where the exchange benefit is actually a benefit more than just tax savings.
There are a few places [like Pearl] where the local price of goods is high, so the Commissary prices are very favorable. AAFES is a private corporation so I am not as familiar with their price setting policies.
Southern California on the other hand has much lower price food. So I suspect that your experience will not be as favorable there.
We have shopped at Pearl, though we have not shopped in San Diego.
Yeah, the difference in some places -- especially Hawaii (and Alaska) -- for food makes a world of difference ... but I will say that the commissary prices everywhere are a noticeable savings for anyone ... up in Washington, where food is not particularly high, I can save close to 30% on many if not most items ... and when I am in Calif. I find it about the same. Exchange / PX prices are nothing special compared to most low-budget retailers anyplace (Target, WalMart, etc) -- except where there are high local sales taxes.
Yeah, the difference in some places -- especially Hawaii (and Alaska) -- for food makes a world of difference ... but I will say that the commissary prices everywhere are a noticeable savings for anyone ... up in Washington, where food is not particularly high, I can save close to 30% on many if not most items ... and when I am in Calif. I find it about the same. Exchange / PX prices are nothing special compared to most low-budget retailers anyplace (Target, WalMart, etc) -- except where there are high local sales taxes.
You're so right, when we purchase meat here it's at least 30% more expensive than if I bought at the commissary. Unfortunately, the closest commissary for us is over an hour away here in Plano. Having that benefit nearby in San Diego will be very helpful.
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