Buying guide
Car Battery Price Comparison
Compare battery prices, installation, warranties and core charges across major retailers in one place, with the date we last checked each one.
Last updated October 2026. By the editorial team.
Retailer comparison (US)
| Retailer | Battery price | Installation | Warranty | Core charge | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse club (Costco, Sam's Club) | $90 to $180Preferred Mechanic (third-party guide) | Sam's Club installs eligible purchases free. Costco does not install batteries. | Still checking | Still checking | October 2026 |
| CostcoOfficial site | $90 to $180Costco Guides (third-party) | Costco does not install batteries. | 36-month prorated warranty (since mid-2023) | $15 | October 2026 |
| Parts chain (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance)Official site | $90 to $450ThePricer (third-party) | Often free with purchase. AutoZone's own page says free installation on most vehicles at most locations; limits apply by vehicle and store. | Still checking | Still checking | October 2026 |
| WalmartOfficial site | $80 to $190Preferred Mechanic (third-party guide) | Free on Walmart batteries; $15 on batteries bought elsewhere. | Still checking | Still checking | October 2026 |
| AAA Mobile Battery ServiceOfficial site | $180 to $300ThePricer (third-party estimate) | Installation and free recycling of the old battery are included. | 3-year free replacement warranty (per AAA mobile service page) | Still checking | October 2026 |
| Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeOfficial site | Still checking | Valvoline says a battery test and replacement can take about 15 minutes. We have no verified price or warranty yet. | Still checking | Still checking | - |
| Independent shop | $120 to $300Preferred Mechanic (third-party guide) | Labour is typically $40 to $75. | Still checking | Still checking | October 2026 |
| Dealership | $250 to $500Preferred Mechanic (third-party guide) | Installed price includes $50 to $100 labour. | Still checking | Still checking | October 2026 |
| Mobile or roadside installer | $150 to $350Preferred Mechanic (third-party guide) | Call-out and fitting are included in the price. | Still checking | Still checking | October 2026 |
| Battery specialist (Batteries Plus, Interstate)Official site | $185 to $400Preferred Mechanic (third-party guide) | Installation varies by store. Ask when you order. | Still checking | Still checking | October 2026 |
Most prices are third-party ranges, shown as ranges only. Confirm the current price with the store. Mobile services and dealers quote an installed total.
How to use this tool
1. Scan the table
Each row is one retailer with its own dated source.
2. Filter if you like
Show only stores that install on site.
3. Check the date
Every row shows when we last checked it.
4. Confirm with the store
Use the official link to confirm today's price.
How to Compare Properly
Add shelf price, installation, the core charge and any local fee, then subtract the refund for your old battery. Our car battery replacement cost calculator does that for your inputs. Read the individual guides for Walmart, Costco, AAA and Valvoline, and our post on Costco vs Walmart car batteries. Find a store with batteries near me.
Frequently asked questions
Why do prices differ so much between stores?
Battery type, brand, warranty length, whether fitting is included and the size of the core charge all differ. Compare the total, not the shelf price.
Is the price shown the final price?
No. These are dated ranges. Confirm the current price and any local fees with the store.
Related tools and guides
Replacement cost calculator
Totals for your inputs.
Learn moreCar battery near me
Official store locators.
Learn moreWhy battery prices vary
Blog post.
Learn more