CVS vs Walgreens: 15 Similarities and Differences Floridians Need to Know

Need a flu shot, a gallon of milk, and a last-minute birthday card? CVS and Walgreens have your back.

These two stores are everywhere—on corners, near schools, across from each other, and sometimes even in the same parking lot.

But for stores that look so similar on the outside, they have some sneaky differences and a fair share of things in common.

If you’ve ever wondered whether CVS or Walgreens is cheaper or faster, we’re here to help.

CVS Offers More Accessibility

There’s a reason it feels like you see a CVS on every corner—they have the numbers to back it up.

CVS has over 9,000 locations in the U.S., while Walgreens has around 8,000. That makes CVS the largest pharmacy chain in America in terms of store count.

This matters if you’re traveling or relocating.

CVS’s wider network means your prescriptions are more likely to transfer smoothly without jumping through hoops.

In many states, both chains have hundreds of locations. But CVS still slightly edges out Walgreens across the board.

Walgreens Has the Edge on Beauty Products

If you’re shopping for cosmetics or skincare, Walgreens tends to have a wider selection.

They carry both drugstore staples and exclusive beauty brands, and many locations even have a designated beauty consultant on staff.

CVS has been expanding its beauty section too. But, in our humble opinion, Walgreens still wins in terms of variety and presentation.

So if you’re hunting for a specific mascara or want to browse trendy skincare, Walgreens is usually the better bet.

They’re Both Open Late (But Not Always 24/7)

One reason people love both CVS and Walgreens is their hours. They’re open later than most places, which makes them a go-to when it’s 10 p.m. and you suddenly need cough syrup.

Many locations are open until at least 10 p.m., and some are 24/7—especially in busier areas. That said, the 24/7 locations are becoming less common.

CVS has been cutting back its around-the-clock stores, especially in places where foot traffic drops at night. Walgreens has done the same in some markets.

So while both are “late night friendly,” you’ll want to check your local spot before assuming it’s open at 2 a.m.

They Offer the Same Basic Pharmacy Services

Need to pick up antibiotics? Get a vaccine? Refill your prescription online? Both stores have you covered.

CVS and Walgreens offer pharmacy services that go way beyond just handing over pills. They provide immunizations, refill reminders, medication counseling, and even prescription delivery in some areas.

Their apps make it easy to manage prescriptions on the go, and both stores work with major insurance plans.

So when it comes to the pharmacy basics, they’re neck and neck. That said, customer service experiences can vary by location.

CVS Owns Aetna, Walgreens Partners With Primary Care

CVS isn’t just a pharmacy—it’s part of a massive healthcare company. In 2018, CVS bought Aetna, one of the biggest health insurance companies in the country.

That means CVS is expanding into full-service healthcare, offering MinuteClinics, telehealth, and insurance-backed programs inside its stores.

Walgreens, meanwhile, has teamed up with VillageMD and other primary care providers to build health clinics inside some locations.

So, both chains are shifting toward becoming more than just drugstores. But CVS’s model is built around insurance, while Walgreens is more about partnerships.

Both Stores Offer Loyalty Programs, But CVS’s Is More Layered

If you like earning rewards, both CVS and Walgreens will give you points for your purchases.

CVS offers ExtraCare, which gives 2% back in rewards, plus extra deals through the app.

For more savings, you can pay $5/month (or $48/year) for ExtraCare Plus, which includes free shipping, 20% off CVS-branded items, and monthly pharmacy perks.

Walgreens offers myWalgreens, which gives 1% back on most purchases and 5% back on their own branded items. Their rewards show up as store credit you can use during checkout.

CVS’s program has more layers and costs more if you go premium. However, many say the savings pay for themselves if you shop there often.

Walgreens Often Has Faster Photo Services

Need passport photos or last-minute prints? Walgreens tends to be quicker, from our experience.

Most Walgreens locations have a photo lab that can deliver same-day prints, custom gifts, and even one-hour passport photos.

CVS offers similar photo services, but fewer locations do one-hour options.

So for photo emergencies—like needing a gift for Grandma by tonight—Walgreens may be your safer bet.

CVS Often Feels More Like a Mini Health Hub

Walk into a CVS, and you might find blood pressure machines, health kiosks, and signs for telehealth visits.

That’s because CVS has been rebranding itself as more of a “health destination,” especially with its MinuteClinic walk-ins and growing ExtraCare Plus program.

The vibe is less “grab gum and go” and more “sit down, get help, talk to a nurse.”

Walgreens is catching up, but CVS still feels more health-forward in layout, signage, and available services.

Walgreens Carries More Snacks and Drinks

Craving sour gummy worms and a cold soda? Walgreens often feels more like a mini convenience store than CVS.

Their aisles tend to have more snack variety, including unique items like imported candy, seasonal goodies, and larger drink fridges.

CVS carries snacks, too. But Walgreens usually wins when it comes to late-night cravings or stocking up on junk food for a road trip.

Some Walgreens locations even feel like a mini grocery store, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

CVS Is Eliminating Some Storefront Locations

CVS announced plans to close hundreds of stores over the next few years as it shifts focus to healthcare services and digital offerings.

That means while you may see fewer physical CVS locations in the future, the ones that remain will likely look more like mini clinics.

Walgreens has closed stores, too, but not on the same scale. It’s staying more committed to the retail format, at least for now.

So if you live in an area where one CVS closes, don’t be surprised if a Walgreens shows up in its place.

Both Stores Sell Similar Generic Medications

When it comes to over-the-counter medicine, CVS and Walgreens both offer their own store brands.

CVS Health and Walgreens’ Nice! and Well lines include everything from ibuprofen to allergy medicine, and they’re usually cheaper than name-brand options.

In terms of quality, they’re often made by the same manufacturers that supply brand names.

The FDA regulates generics, so either option is generally safe and effective.

The price difference varies. But when you need medicine regularly or you’re stocking up just in case, every little discount adds up.

They Price Match—Kind Of

Neither CVS nor Walgreens does old-school price matching like big box stores, but they do compete closely with each other.

If you see something on sale at CVS, there’s a good chance Walgreens has a similar deal—or will soon.

The trick is to use their apps.

Both stores offer digital coupons, weekly deals, and discounts that can stack with manufacturer coupons.

You won’t get a refund if the price drops later, but if you plan your purchases right, you can save a lot just by toggling between apps.

CVS Focuses More on Sustainability

CVS has made a big public push toward environmental responsibility. They’ve cut back on paper receipts (you can go digital), reduced plastic packaging, and removed certain chemicals from their personal care products.

In 2014, they were also the first major pharmacy to stop selling tobacco.

Walgreens has green initiatives, too. But CVS tends to promote theirs more heavily and tie them into customer perks.

If sustainability matters to you, CVS might feel like the more socially conscious choice.

Walgreens Still Sells Tobacco Products

Despite some pressure from advocacy groups, Walgreens continues to sell cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco-related items in many locations.

CVS made headlines when it voluntarily pulled tobacco from its shelves in 2014, saying it didn’t align with its mission as a healthcare company.

The decision cost CVS billions in revenue, but it earned them praise from public health officials.

If you’re shopping with kids or prefer stores without tobacco behind the counter, CVS might feel like a cleaner environment.

They’re Both Expensive (Unless You Use the App)

Walk into CVS or Walgreens without coupons, and you might be shocked by the prices.

Everything from shampoo to batteries can cost significantly more than it does at big-box stores like Walmart or Target.